Lacrosse head pocket and related method of manufacture

ABSTRACT

A lacrosse head pocket and a related method of manufacture are provided. The pocket can be a molded pocket including individual molded strings, combined strings, shooting strings and support rails extending around a perimeter of the pocket. Certain pocket elements can include transition parts to smoothly transition components having different cross sections. The pocket can include a pre-formed ball channel and hole units having broadsides for connection to a head or other component. The pocket can be attached to a pocket frame, and optionally constructed from a mesh or other synthetic material that is tensioned with the pocket frame. A mold and related molding method are also provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to lacrosse equipment, and moreparticularly, to a lacrosse head pocket and a related method ofmanufacture.

Conventional lacrosse sticks include a head joined with a handle. Thehead includes a frame that forms a region within which a lacrosse ballcan be caught, held or shot. A net is joined with the back side of theframe. Typically, the net is constructed from laces or mesh, which isfurther connected to the frame via multiple small holes defined by theframe. The net forms a pocket within which the lacrosse ball is heldwhile a player is in possession of the ball, and can be a determinantfactor as to the player's ability to catch, retain and shoot the ball.

Different lacrosse players at different positions typically preferpockets having certain profiles and handling characteristics. Forexample, while a player at an attack position generally prefers a pocketconfigured for vertical cradling and accurate shooting of a lacrosseball, a midfielder prefers a pocket for better control and safelycarrying a ball by cradling it back and forth, causing the ball tosnugly set in the pocket due to centripetal forces. A defensive playergenerally prefers a pocket configured for better cradling and releasewith a defensive stick. Further, depending on the player, they mayprefer a modification of the pocket. For example, an attacker may prefertheir shooting strings, which generally form the ramp of the pocket fromwhich the lacrosse ball is shot, to be at a certain angle to impartspin, control the release point of the ball out of the pocket, or exertmore force on the ball as it exits the head. With many conventionalpockets, however, it is frequently difficult to accommodate these playerpreferences without significant knowledge and experience about how tomodify the net so that the pocket has a specific profile and performs asdesired.

In addition, when a conventional pocket wears out, the mere thought ofreplacing it can be daunting to many, particularly younger or lessexperienced lacrosse players. This is true for traditional pockets,which include a complicated arrangement of thongs and lacing, and inmany cases mesh pockets, which include a soft fabric mesh material thatis carefully attached directly to the lacrosse. The reason many playersdread replacing or servicing pockets is because most pockets require acomplex lacing procedure, which is mastered by only a limited number ofindividuals, to secure the net to a lacrosse frame in a desired pocketconfiguration. Thus, many lacrosse players, particularly youths andnewcomers to the sport, are left at the mercy of having to wait fortheir lacrosse sticks to be restrung by someone else, and even then,after the pocket is strung, it usually takes several weeks or monthsuntil the pocket is properly broken in to achieve a desired profile.

In addition to conventional lacrosse pockets being difficult tocustomize and replace, they usually are affected by climate andmoisture. For example, even where a pocket net is woven or otherwiseconstructed from filaments of nylon or polypropylene, when wetted by arain, the net of the pocket can expand or become slippery, and whendried after being wetted the net can shrink, both of which cansignificantly alter how a lacrosse ball is shot from the pocket. Thiscan lead to inconsistent shooting, which can be detrimental to theplayer's performance.

Some manufacturers have attempted to resolve the above issues. Oneapproach is implemented in a pocket called the deBeer Gripper Pro,commercially available from J. deBeer & Son of Altamont, N.Y. Thetechnology of this pocket is presented in U.S. Pat. No. 7,524,253 toGait, which generally describes a pre-formed pocket including runnershaving two layers of multiple types of different materials andperpendicular cross pieces strung between the runners. A first layerincludes a polyurethane material that is joined with a braided nylonweb. A second layer also includes a polyurethane material joined withanother braided nylon web. The first and second layers are sandwichedand machine stitched together in some areas, but separated in otherareas to form openings between the layers. The openings are large enoughso that the cross pieces can be loosely inserted through them. The crosspieces or other laces are then laced through openings in the lacrossehead frame.

While this construction provides an easy-to-install runner system, itrequires a skill to precisely position and connect the cross pieces tothe multilayered runners, which skill may not be possessed by younger orinexperienced players. Moreover, although the polyurethane and braidednylon layers work well, the layering of different materials requiresadditional assembly time. The extra machine stitching and sewing to jointhe various layers also requires additional assembly time and resources.

Another attempt to resolve the above issues with conventional pockets ispresented in U.S. Pat. No. 7,192,369 to Morrow, which discloses in oneembodiment a mesh pocket integrally formed with a lacrosse head frame.The mesh and head are constructed from the same plastic material, withthe mesh and head being portions a single, injection molded item. Whilethis construction eliminates the connection issues between the head andpocket, the pocket material generally is of the same rigidity and hasthe same characteristics as the head material, which might not bedesirable to all players. Further, these “hard pockets” usually do nothave sufficient flexibility and sometimes cannot retain a lacrosse ballin the pocket well.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A lacrosse head is provided including a lacrosse pocket that is durableand provides desirable playing characteristics. The pocket is easy tomanufacture, and optionally easy to replace and/or service. A method formaking the pocket also is provided.

In one embodiment, the pocket is molded and formed to mimic an open meshor other pocket construction. This molded pocket is dimensioned to fitwithin the open area of a lacrosse head, generally within the areasurrounded by a lacrosse head frame sidewalls, scoop and ball stop. Themolded pocket includes a network of multiple individual molded stringsconstructed of varying cross sections. The cross sections varythroughout different zones of the molded pocket to increase ball controland throwing consistency.

In another embodiment, the multiple joined, individual molded strings ofthe molded pocket are joined with one another to form fused or combinedmolded strings, and generally oriented to define pocket holes throughthe molded pocket. The molded strings and combined strings can vary incross section about different subsets of the pocket holes located indifferent zones. For example, molded strings and combined strings in afirst pocket zone around the pocket perimeter, near the frame, can be ofa first cross section. Additional molded strings and combined strings ina second zone, in the upper part of the pocket near the scoop, can be ofthe first cross section as well. Other molded strings and combinedstrings in a third zone, in a transition portion of the pocket, wherethe ball rolls or moves from the middle of the pocket into the upperpart of the pocket toward the scoop, or from the middle of the pockettoward the ball stop, can have a second cross section that is less thanthe first cross section. Yet other molded strings and combined stringsin a fourth zone formed in the middle of the pocket can have a thirdcross section that is less than the second cross section. The varyingcross sections of the molded strings can enable the different zones ofthe molded pocket to function differently based on their intendedfunction and desired play characteristics.

In still another embodiment, the pocket holes can vary with, orindependent of, the molded individual and combined string crosssections, from zone to zone within the molded pocket, to increase ballcontrol and throwing consistency. For example, in the second zone in theupper part of the pocket near the scoop, the pocket holes can be made upof holes of a first dimension. Other pocket holes in a third zone, inthe transition portion of the pocket, can be of a second dimension thatis greater than the first dimension. In this zone, there can be, forexample, 6 to 10, or 8 holes across the molded pocket. Yet other pocketholes in the fourth zone in the middle of the pocket can have a thirddimension that is greater than the first and second dimensions. In thiszone, where the ball is typically carried, there can be, for example, 4to 8, or 6 holes across the molded pocket. The varying cross sections ofthe molded strings can enable the different zones of the molded pocketto function differently based on their intended function and desiredplay characteristics.

In yet another embodiment, the molded pocket can include molded stringsthat smoothly transition between different cross sections in differentparts or zones of the molded pocket. For example, an individual moldedstring or combined string can include a first part, a transition partand a second part. The transition part can be located directly betweenthe first and second parts. The first part can have a first crosssection, and the second part can have a greater second cross section.The transition part can include multiple varying cross sections sizedbetween the first and second cross sections. The transition part caninclude an exterior surface having a taper of increasing size from thefirst part to the second part. The taper can be of a frustoconical,conical, polygonal, or other tapering geometric shape so that the firstpart transitions to the second part, generally void of any abrupt bumpsor steps between the two parts.

In still yet another embodiment, the molded pocket can include pocketholes that are longer in a pocket hole length dimension, which isaligned with a longitudinal axis of the lacrosse head leading from ballstop to scoop, than a pocket hole width dimension, which is generallytransverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In thisconstruction, the molded strings surrounding the holes can generallyform hole units, which have broad sides on opposing sides of the lengthdimensions of the pocket holes.

In a further embodiment, the molded pocket having the hole units withbroad sides can be positioned so that multiple broad sides of hole unitsabut one another across the width of the molded pocket. The broad sidesof certain perimeter hole units also can be positioned so that the broadside, and the associated molded string forming that side, is immediatelyadjacent the outer lateral perimeter or support rail of the moldedpocket, a lateral side of a pocket frame to which the molded pocket isjoined, and/or a lower sidewall rail of the lacrosse head. With thebroad side of the perimeter hole units in this location, the moldedpocket can be attached to the structural portions of the molded pocketand/or the head in a consistent and strength enhancing manner. This canimprove the connection between the molded pocket as well as thestructural longevity of the molded pocket.

In still a further embodiment, the molded pocket can include a shootingchannel. The shooting channel can extend generally from the middleportion of the pocket or the fourth zone as mentioned above, through thethird zone, in the transition portion of the pocket, and out through thesecond zone in the upper part of the pocket near the scoop. Throughoutthese zones, the shooting channel can have varying widths and heightsprogressing from the middle of the pocket to the upper part of thepocket near the scoop.

In still yet a further embodiment, the shooting channel can includedecreasing widths and depths that are molded directly into the moldedpocket and reflected in the molded strings as the channel progressesfrom the middle of the pocket to the upper part of the pocket near thescoop.

In another further embodiment, the molded pocket can include moldedshooting strings molded directly to the other molded strings in thepocket, for example the individual molded strings and/or the combinedstrings. The shooting strings can extend laterally across the moldedpocket from near one sidewall toward an opposing sidewall, near thescoop. The molded shooting strings can be integrally formed andmonolithic with the molded strings and hole units. The molded shootingstrings can have rounded, angled or flat upper surfaces facing into themolded pocket, generally upward into the area where the ball is held ormoves within the pocket. The molded shooting strings can also have anarced, parabolic or rounded shape when viewed from the top side of thehead, so that they form a generally convex shape when viewed from abovethe head, and from a perspective view from the scoop toward the ballstop along the longitudinal axis of the head.

In yet another further embodiment, the molded pocket, or alternatively afabric mesh or other traditional pocket, can be joined with a pocketframe, which is further joined with the lacrosse head. The pocket framecan define one or more grooves around the perimeter of the frame. Thegrooves can be located in areas which, when the pocket frame is joinedwith the lacrosse head, correspond to the ball stop, sidewalls and/orscoop. The molded pocket or other pocket can be received in the grooveto secure the pocket to the pocket frame. The pocket frame can includean inner part and an outer part that sandwich a perimeter of the moldedpocket or other pocket there between, generally within the groove.

In another embodiment, the pocket frame can be joined with the headframe by molding the head frame over the pocket frame. The pocket framecan include ridges, projections, or other connection enhancing structureextending from surfaces thereof to enhance the physical connectionbetween the pocket frame and the head frame. The pocket frame can bemolded over by material of the head frame in the ball stop, sidewallsand/or scoop of the head frame. Optionally, the material of the pocketframe can be a different material from the material of the head frameand the molded pocket as well.

In even another embodiment, the molded pocket and its components can beconstructed from a polymeric material, for example, thermoplasticelastomer polymers, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU),thermoplastic copolyester, thermoplastic polyamides, polyolefin blends,styrenic block polymers, and/or elastomeric alloys, as well as rubber,formable but flexible resins, hydrophobic flexible materials, and/orother similar flexible materials.

In still another embodiment, the pocket frame can define multiple stringholes around at least a portion of its periphery. The lacrosse headframe can define a stringing ridge or shoulder. The pocket frame can besized or contoured to fit within, around, or generally mate with thestringing ridge or shoulder. The molded pocket or other pocket can beattached to the head by a string that passes through string holesdefined in the head and through the string holes defined by the pocketframe.

In yet another embodiment, a method for molding a fabric mesh pocket orother pocket is provided. A mold defining a pocket frame mold cavitycorresponding to the pocket frame is provided. The mold optionally caninclude one or more locator pins around a perimeter of the frame,optionally mounted exterior to the outside of pocket frame mold cavity.A standard mesh or synthetic material is stretched laterally andoptionally longitudinally above the pocket frame mold cavity. Thestretched mesh or synthetic material is moved toward the pocket framemold cavity and engaged with the locator pins so that the mesh orsynthetic material is maintained in a tensioned state, laterally and/orlongitudinally, with a portion of it laying across and/or in the pocketframe mold cavity. Polymeric material is introduced into the pocketframe mold cavity with the mesh or synthetic material maintained in thetensioned state, so that the polymeric material is molded around themesh or synthetic material occupying the pocket frame mold cavity. Thepolymeric material is allowed to cure and form the pocket frame. Thepocket frame is removed from the mold, with the mesh or syntheticmaterial molded within it and attached to it so that it cannot beremoved without destroying the pocket frame and/or the mesh or syntheticpocket material.

In still yet another embodiment, the mold defining a pocket frame moldcavity corresponding to the pocket frame includes a central part locatedalong a longitudinal axis of the mold, generally in the middle of pocketto be formed with the mold. The central part includes a bulbous contourthat projects upward, above the uppermost part of the pocket frame moldcavity. When the mesh or synthetic material is placed in a tensionedstate with the pins and brought near or within the pocket frame moldcavity, the contour can engage the mesh or synthetic material to form itinto a corresponding shape. When the pocket frame is ultimately removedfrom the mold, the attached mesh or synthetic material maintains thiscorresponding shape. The corresponding shape can be a fitted ball pocketdepression within the pocket on the pocket frame within which a lacrosseball naturally moves toward when it is in the pocket. The particularlocation of the contour can be selected based on the desired playingcharacteristics of the lacrosse head to which the pocket frame andpocket are attached. With this depression “pre-formed” in the pocket,minimal break-in time for the pocket can be realized.

In a further embodiment, a mold for molding a molded pocket areprovided. The mold can include a base having a base molded pocket cavityforming a first pocket cavity portion corresponding generally to aninterior surface of the molded pocket (facing inward, toward theinterior of the head or pocket frame) and an axis of symmetry generallycorresponding to a longitudinal axis or some other preselected axis ofthe molded pocket. The mold cavity can include a retainer portion thatcaptures an already formed lacrosse head or pocket frame, and places itimmediately adjacent the mold cavity in which the mold pocket is to bemolded. Where the mold pocket is to be molded to the head or pocketframe, the retainer can perfectly align the lacrosse head or pocketframe with the mold cavity and any gates or other features of the mold.

In still a further embodiment, the mold can include at least two slidesdisposed generally opposite one another, optionally on opposite sides ofthe axis of symmetry. The slides collectively can define a second pocketcavity portion of the molded pocket cavity, which generally correspondsto the exterior surface of the molded pocket (facing outward, away fromthe head or pocket frame). The slides can be operable to close againstthe mold base so that the first pocket cavity portion and second pocketcavity portion cooperatively form a cavity corresponding to the moldedpocket.

In still yet a further embodiment, the at least two slides can each beconfigured to pivot toward the base about first and second mold pivotaxes, optionally disposed opposite from one another across the axis ofsymmetry. The slides can each fold or swing about the respective axestoward one another to meet at the axis of symmetry and close the moldcavity of the molded pocket. The pivoting or folding slides can beconfigured to open in an opposite direction, pivoting outward from themolded pocket after the molding operation is complete. Due to thepivoting or folding movement, the first and second slides cleanlyrelease from the multifaceted, complex structures of the molded pocket,for example the hole units and variety of molded strings with theiroptional varying cross sections.

In even a further embodiment, the first and second mold pivot axes aredisposed opposite from one another across the axis of symmetry, andabove the lowermost portions of the lacrosse head to which the moldedpocket is joined. Optionally, the first and second mold pivot axes areplaced above or even with the uppermost portions of the lacrosse head towhich the molded pocket is joined. With this spatial orientation of thepivot axes relative to the head and/or the completed molded pocket, theslides fold or pivot away from the base in a manner that allows thefirst and second slides to cleanly release from the structures of themolded pocket, for example the hole units and molded strings.

In another, further embodiment, a method for molding the molded pocketis provided. In the method, a mold including a base having a base moldedpocket cavity forming a first pocket cavity portion and an axis ofsymmetry is provided. Further provided are first and second slidesconfigured to pivot toward the base about first and second mold pivotaxes, where the first and second slides are disposed opposite from oneanother across an axis of symmetry of the base, and cooperatively definea second pocket cavity portion. A lacrosse head frame or pocket frame isplaced in the base adjacent the first pocket cavity portion. The slidesare pivoted about the respective axes toward one another to optionallymeet at the axis of symmetry and close the mold cavity of the moldedpocket. A material is introduced, for example by injection, into thefirst pocket cavity portion and second pocket cavity portion which formthe molded pocket cavity to form a molded pocket. The material engagesand/or bonds to the head or pocket frame. The slides are folded openabout the axes, with the second pocket cavity portion cleanly releasingfrom the molded pocket and any associated molded strings or otherstructures of the pocket, head and/or pocket frame. The molded pocketand associated head or pocket frame are removed from the mold.

The pocket and methods herein can provide a pocket that is virtuallyunaffected by weather changes, temperature changes and moisture, whichenables it to have a substantially consistent profile and configurationthroughout such conditions. In turn, this enables the player to playwith confidence, even under adverse environmental conditions. The moldedpocket can be of a sufficient stiffness to provide more accurate, highervelocity shooting and passing, yet can still be able to adequatelycradle, catch and retain a lacrosse ball. In turn, the pocket can becustom built for a variety of different positions in the game oflacrosse. Where it includes a preselected set of contours, the pocketsherein require minimal break-in, maintenance and skill for installationon a lacrosse head. The pockets herein also can be less expensive tomanufacture and assemble than conventional lacrosse head pockets.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention willbe more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the descriptionof the current embodiment and the drawings.

Before the embodiments herein are explained in detail, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to the details of operationor to the details of construction and the arrangement of the componentsset forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and ofbeing practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expresslydisclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology used herein are for the purpose of description and shouldnot be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” andvariations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter andequivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.Further, enumeration may be used in the description of variousembodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumerationshould not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific orderor number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construedas excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps orcomponents that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps orcomponents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a lacrosse head including a current embodimentof a lacrosse pocket;

FIG. 2 is bottom view of the lacrosse head and pocket;

FIG. 3 is front perspective view of the lacrosse head and pocket;

FIG. 4 is a cross section view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating different zones of the pocket;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the head and pocket illustrating the differentzones;

FIG. 7 is a graphical illustration of molded string cross sectionswithin the zones taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a close up view of the pocket illustrating varying hole sizesin the different zones;

FIG. 9 is a close up side view of a molded string of the pocket having atransition part between first and second parts of different crosssections;

FIG. 10 is a close up view of molded strings surrounding holes to formhole units with opposing broad sides;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the broad sides of the hole units in thepocket being joined with a head;

FIG. 12 is a front scoop view of a pocket channel defined in a moldedpocket;

FIG. 12A is a top view of the molded pocket illustrating different zoneswithin which to locate a pocket apex for attack, midfield and defenselacrosse heads;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the pocket channel of the moldedpocket;

FIG. 13A is a top view of the pocket channel and flanks of the moldedpocket;

FIG. 13B is a cross section view of the middle portion of the moldedpocket taken along lines 13B-13B of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13C is a cross section view of the middle portion of the moldedpocket taken along lines 13C-13C of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13D is a cross section view of the pocket channel of the moldedpocket taken along lines 13D-13D of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13E is a cross section view of the pocket channel of the moldedpocket taken along lines 13E-13E of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13F is a cross section view of the middle portion of the pocket andthe ball channel taken along lines 13F-14F of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14 is a close up view of molded shooting strings integral withother molded strings in the molded pocket, as well as molded pocketconnectors along a scoop of the head;

FIG. 15 is a cross section view of the molded pocket connector takenalong line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top view of a first alternative embodiment of a lacrossepocket molded to a pocket frame connected to a lacrosse head;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the first alternative embodiment of themolded pocket and pocket frame independent of the lacrosse head;

FIG. 18 is a cross section view of the first alternative embodiment ofthe molded pocket and pocket frame taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18A is a close up view of the cross section view of the firstalternative embodiment of the molded pocket and pocket frame in FIG. 18;

FIG. 19 is a cross section view of the first alternative embodiment ofthe molded pocket and pocket frame taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a cross section view of a second alternative embodiment ofthe molded pocket and pocket frame taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 is a cross section view of the second alternative embodiment ofthe molded pocket and pocket frame taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the second alternative embodiment ofthe molded pocket and pocket frame independent of the lacrosse head;

FIG. 23 is a cross section view of the molded pocket frame joined with alacrosse head;

FIG. 24 is a cross section view of the molded pocket frame being joinedwith a lacrosse head in a first alternative manner;

FIG. 24A is a cross section view of the molded pocket frame being joinedwith a lacrosse head in a second alternative manner;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the molded pocket frame being joinedwith a head in a third alternative manner;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of amesh or synthetic pocket and a pocket frame independent of a lacrossehead;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a first mold cavity for a pocket of thethird alternative embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a second mold cavity for a pocket ofthe third alternative embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a top view of a mesh material being placed over the secondmold cavity for a pocket of the third alternative embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a top view of a mesh material being tensioned over the secondmold cavity for a pocket of the third alternative embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the first and second molds, with meshbeing placed, for a pocket of the third alternative embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the first and second molds with meshtensioned and the pocket frame being molded over the mesh for a pocketof the third alternative embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the first and second molds with meshcontoured and attached to the molded pocket frame after molding a pocketof the third alternative embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a top view of a mold for joining a molded pocket and head ofthe current embodiment;

FIG. 35 is an end section view of the mold with opposing mold slides ofthe mold in a closed position, taken along line 35-35 of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is an end section view of the mold with opposing mold slides ofthe mold in an open position, taken along line 35-35 of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a side section view of the mold with opposing mold slides ofthe mold in a closed position, taken along line 37-37 of FIG. 34;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the mold slides open and a lacrossehead being placed in the mold;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the mold slides open and the headretracted into the mold on a retainer portion;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the mold slides closing to complete acavity for the molded pocket;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the mold slides closed to complete thecavity for the molded pocket;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the mold slides closed to complete thecavity for the molded pocket, with a clamp plate closed against theslides;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the mold slides opening with the moldedpocket molded and joined with the head;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the mold slides open with the moldedpocket molded and joined with the head, but retracted in the mold base;and

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the mold slides open with the moldedpocket molded and joined with the head, with the head being lifted fromthe mold base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS I. Overview

A current embodiment of a lacrosse head pocket is shown in FIGS. 1-7 andgenerally designated 10. The pocket 10 is secured to a lacrosse head 20to form a “strung” lacrosse head. The lacrosse head 20 can be furtherjoined with a handle (not shown) to form a lacrosse stick. As shown inFIG. 1, the lacrosse pocket 10 is in the form of a molded pocketincluding no conventional woven lacing, webbing or thongs in the insidepocket area 22 bounded by the lacrosse head frame 20. The molded pocketincludes a network of molded strings 12 monolithically and integrallyformed with one another from a polymeric material to form a single pieceunit. The molded pocket can be void of any strings, laces and/or crosspieces embedded or encapsulated therein or otherwise joined with themolded pocket and/or head. The molded strings can be in the form ofindividual strings, or fused or combined strings 12C (FIG. 4), or otherfeatures of the pocket that resemble strings. The molded strings canform hole units 30 which are positioned and sized strategicallythroughout the pocket. The molded pocket 10 can include multiple zonesZ1-Z4 having molded strings of different cross sections, that is, crosssectional areas when a cross section is taken through the moldedstrings, around the perimeter of the pocket near the head, on theshooting ramp near the scoop, in the middle portion where a ball iscradled in the pocket, and in the transition between the middle portionand the shooting ramp near the scoop.

The molded pocket 10 can also define holes 31 which are surroundedsubstantially by the molded strings 12. These molded strings and holescan form hole units 30. As shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 8, these hole units30 can vary in number laterally across the lacrosse head 20 from onesidewall 24 to an opposing sidewall 26 of the lacrosse head. The numberof holes and holes units can also vary depending on the zones Z1-Z4within which they are located.

As shown in FIG. 10, the pocket can also include hole units 30A-30Chaving broadsides 33A, 33B and 33C which can be joined with an outerperipheral support rail 14, 16 of the molded pocket 10. With referenceto FIG. 9, the molded strings themselves can be constructed to include atransition part 12T between larger and smaller first part 12A and secondpart 12C of a particular molded string 12. These parts 12A and 12C canbe integral with the transition part 12T so that the cross section ofthe molded string gradually decreases through a total length TL of thetransition part 12T, from a first total cross section TCS1 to a secondlesser total cross section TCS3 without any abrupt steps, bumps or dropoffs.

The pocket 10 also can include a shooting channel 40 as shown in FIG. 13which in integrally molded within the molded pocket 10. A molded pocketor another type of pocket can be joined with a pocket frame 60 as shownin FIG. 17, optionally pre-tensioned and/or preformed to provide adesired pocket profile. The pocket frame 60 can be molded over by alacrosse head to join to the lacrosse head as shown in FIG. 18, or tiedto a particular string ridge as shown in FIG. 20. Another method formolding a frame on a mesh or other synthetic pocket material is shown inFIGS. 26-33. A method for molding the molded pocket 10 to a lacrossehead or frame with a particular mold is shown in FIGS. 34-45.

II. Construction

The various structural components and construction of the currentembodiment will now be described. Beginning with FIGS. 1-7, the pocket10 is joined with the lacrosse head 20, which as shown as a men'slacrosse head. The pocket described herein, however can be readily usedon a women's lacrosse head. The lacrosse head 20, and in particular theframe, of the lacrosse head 20, includes a base including a ball stop23, opposing sidewalls 24 and 26 extending from the base or ball stop,and a scoop 28 connected to the sidewalls. The lacrosse head 20 caninclude a socket extending rearward from the frame for attachment to alacrosse handle (not shown). The head 20 can include a front side 29Aand a rear side 29B. The head 20 also can define an interior 22 which isbounded generally by the sidewalls 24, 26, ball stop 23 and the scoop28. In this area, a lacrosse ball (not shown) is usually caught, handledand/or shot from the lacrosse head 20.

The molded pocket 10 can include a network of multiple molded strings 12which extend and connect with one another across the pocket alongvarious lateral 101 and longitudinal 102 axes. These molded strings 102can be of a rounded or circular cross section in areas where adjacentmolded strings do not meet up with one another. For example as shown inFIG. 4, individual molded strings 12A and 12B can merge together andform a single monolithic combined or fused molded string 12C.Optionally, the separate individual molded strings 12A and 12B canconverge at a junction 12J at which they form the fused or combinedmolded string 12C. The cross section of that combined molded string canbe monolithically formed and of a generally homogeneous material, forexample, the polymeric material from which the molded pocket andindividual strings is constructed.

Although shown as being of a generally circular or rounded cross sectionand configuration, any of the molded strings can be of other geometriccross sections as well. For example, they can be square, rectangular,rounded, triangular, polygonal, elliptical or combinations of theforegoing. As a further example, a molded string of the pocket can beflat on the rear side and rounded on the front side or vice versa. Themolded strings also can include a variety of different tapers dependingon the particular location within the pocket. Further, the individualmolded strings or combined molded strings can include different types oftextures or surfaces to enhance ball control and grip.

The molded pocket herein can be constructed from a variety of polymericmaterials, which include, but are not limited to, elastomeric materials,such as the thermoplastic polymers, thermoplastic polyurethane,thermoplastic resins, thermoplastic copolyesters, thermoplasticpolyamides, polyolefin blends, styrenic block polymers, and elastomericalloys, as well as rubber, formable but flexible resins, hydrophobicflexible materials, or similar flexible materials, or combinations ofthe foregoing. Where the material is hydrophobic, the single layerrunners and the resulting pocket can be resistant to shrinkage or shapealteration due to moisture, and in many cases changes in ambienttemperature. Optionally, the entire structure of the molded pocket isformed from a single, monolithic piece of polymeric material, havingdifferent thicknesses and cross section areas of molded strings, railsor other components as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the molded strings 12 can also be fused andintegrally formed to form a monolithic structure with one or moreshooting strings 19. These shooting strings 19, also referred to asshooters, can cooperate with the adjacent molded strings 12 to channelthe release of the ball from the molded pocket 10. The shooting stringscan have round or flat surfaces, or a combination of round and flatsurfaces facing the interior 22 of the head, depending on their locationon a shooting ramp of the molded pocket. The shooters 19 also can betwisted in a helical configuration as shown in FIG. 14 or otherwiseplaced immediately adjacent one another. Optionally, the shooters 19 canbe molded directly to the support rails 14 and 16, or the forwardsupport rail 18, forming a monolithic, integral molded part.Alternatively, the shooters 19 can be molded to the bottom rail of thelacrosse head.

The shooters 19 can extend laterally across the lacrosse head generallyextending from a first sidewall 24 to a second sidewall 26. The shooters19 can also be structured to form a rounded or arc, which when viewedfrom the top of the head 20, form a generally concave structure,travelling from the scoop 28 toward the ball stop 23 along thelongitudinal axis 102, or a concave structure going the oppositedirection along the longitudinal axis. One or more shooters, whetherintertwined with one another, can be spaced from one anotherapproximately ¼ inch to 1¾ inch, ½ inch to 1½ inch, and/or ¾ inch to 1inch. Other ranges can be selected depending on the particular desiredcharacteristics of the pocket, and the position in which the pocket willbe used, for example in an attack position, a midfield position or adefense position. As shown in FIG. 2, some of the shooters 19 can bejoined with individual molded strings 12 and extend across a hole unit30. In doing so, the shooters generally traverse the hole 31 defined bythe hole unit 30 by the surrounding individual molded strings 12 as wellas the combined strings 12C (FIG. 4). In this manner, each hole unit 30is structurally rigidly enhanced, so that it is stiffened by way of theshooters. In turn, when the shooters are included in the ramp of thepocket leading from the middle portion of the pocket to the scoop, thoseelements make the ramp more rigid.

Within the molded pocket 10, the hole units 30 also can be aligned in anarced, rounded and/or parabolic configuration extending laterally fromthe first sidewall 24 to the second sidewall 26 on the head. Generally,the hole units 30, holes 31 and shooters 19 can be aligned along acurved axis 103 defined in the shooting ramp of the molded pocket.

Optionally, the hole units 30 as shown can be constructed to defineholes 31. These holes as shown are in the form of a hexagonal shape. Ofcourse, it is to be appreciated that the shape may vary. For example,the holes can be of an elliptical, circular, triangular, polygonal,octagonal, or other shape depending on the particular application andthe zone or portion of the pocket within which the holes are defined andthe respective hole units are located.

The molded pocket 10 can include additional components to facilitateattachment of the individual molded strings, the combined strings and/orthe shooters to the head 20, and in particular its components such asthe sidewalls 24, 26, the ball stop 23 and the scoop 28. For example,the molded pocket can include one or more support rails around all or aportion of its perimeter 15 also referred to as an upper perimeter. Asshown in FIG. 3, the molded pocket can include integral sidewall supportrails 14 and 16. These sidewall support rails 14 and 16 can be connectedto the network of molded strings in the interior space 22 of the head.These rails can be of a generally linear construction following thecontour of the lower rail or some other structure of the lacrosse head20. The support rails 14 and 16 can be of a predetermined height,optionally about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm, further optionally about 0.5 mmto about 4 mm, or even further optionally about 1 mm to about 2 mm tofacility connection of the remainder of the molded pocket 10 to thesidewalls. The rails 14 and 16 can also have a predetermined thickness,depending upon the desired flexibility and/or strength characteristicsaround the perimeter 15 of the molded pocket 10. The predeterminedthickness can be optionally about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, furtheroptionally about 1 mm to about 2 mm, or even further optionally about1.5 mm.

The sidewall support rails 14 and 16 can be integrally andmonolithically molded with the individual strings, combined stringsand/or shooting strings, or any other component of the molded pocket andconstructed from the same material. Of course, the rails alternativelycan be constructed from another material having a different durometer toprovide enhanced or different rigidity and strength at the locationswhere the rails attach the molded pocket to the head.

Returning to FIG. 3, the sidewall support rails 14 and 16 along thesidewalls can join one another via the ball stop support rail 13. Theball stop rail 13 can be of similar dimensions, that is height andthickness, as the sidewall rails. Generally, the sidewall support rails14 and 16 can form extensions extending forwardly of the ball stop rail13. The transition between these elements can be seamless, and they canappear as a single continuous rail extending from one sidewall, throughthe ball stop, to the other sidewall if desired.

Optionally, each of the sidewall rails 14 and 16 and the ball stop railcan be configured to interfit within a shoulder or stringing ridgedefined by the bottom edge of the head, generally through the ball stopand sidewalls, as further described below. These rails can be configuredto perfectly fill the stringing ridge, so that their outermost surfacefacing the interior 22 of the head is flush with the interior surface ofthe sidewalls and ball stop. Of course, if desired, the rails can beoffset or not flush with these surfaces, in which case they can beinwardly or outwardly set relative to the respective surfaces of thehead facing the interior 22.

The molded pocket can also include a forward scoop support rail 18 thatcan also be integrally formed and monolithic with the remainder of themolded pocket, including the network of individual strings, combinedstrings, and/or shooting strings. As shown in FIG. 3, this scoop supportrail 18 can be of a smaller dimension than the other support rails 13,14 and 16. For example, it can be optionally about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm,or further optionally about 1 mm to about 2 mm in thickness and/orheight. Although this support rail 18 is shown as discontinuous with theother support rails, it can alternatively be continuous with those railsas desired.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the scoop support rail 18 can include aconnector generally including fingers 18A and 18B which extend forwardlyalong the scoop 28. These fingers 18A and 18B can extend and can bejoined directly to a front surface 28A and a rear surface 28B of thescoop 28. This joining can be accomplished via direct bonding of thematerial from which the support rail 18 is constructed with the materialof the scoop 28. A portion of the scoop 28D can extend through theconnector portion. The scoop 28 can also define a net hole 28C. This nethole can be occupied or filled by a transverse connector portion 18C onthe connector that extends from the first finger 18A on the forwardsurface of the scoop to the second finger 18B on the rearward surface ofthe scoop. Generally, the fingers 18A and 18B can be wider than thedimension of the net hole 28C to provide enhanced connection between theforward support rail 18 and the scoop 28. In some cases, the firstfinger 18A or the second finger 18B can be eliminated. Optionally, thesupport rail 18 can be fused directly into a groove defined by thescoop, such as the groove further explained in other embodiments below.Other constructions can be used to connect the various support rails ofthe molded pocket to the head. Even further optionally, the supportrails can be eliminated altogether, and the molded pocket 10 can bejoined with a dedicated pocket frame of another material or othersupport structure to join the molded pocket 10 with the head 20.

The molded pocket can be divided into different zones as shown in FIGS.5 and 7. In these different zones, the respective cross sectional areasof the molded strings, for example, the individual molded strings,combined strings and/or shooting strings can vary. For example, as shownin FIGS. 5 and 6, the head can be divided into zones Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4.

Zone Z1 is a zone that extends around the periphery 15 of the pocket.Where the pocket 10 is a molded pocket, the zone Z1 immediately adjacentthe periphery 15 of the interior 22 of the head, generally immediatelyadjacent the ball stop 23, sidewalls 24 and 26, and the scoop 28 of thehead, can be formed from molded strings having a first cross section D2.For example, the individual molded strings can have a first crosssection D2 ranging optionally from about 1 mm² to about 4 mm², furtheroptionally about 2 mm² to about 3 mm², and even further optionally about1.5 mm² The particular cross section of the molded strings in this zonecan be selected so that around the perimeter, the molded pocket isfairly rigid and inflexible. This can enhance the attachment of themolded pocket around the periphery 15 of the pocket to the head 20. Asexplained below, the molded strings in this zone can also be constructedand include cross sections that merge and transition well into thesupport rails in the various regions of the molded pocket, for examplethe balls stop support rail 13, the sidewall support rails 14 and 16,and the scoop support rail 18. In some cases, however, the moldedstrings in this zone Z1, particularly near the ball stop and sidewalls,can be replaced entirely by the respective support rails 13, 14 and 16,or portions thereof, if desired.

Zone Z2 of the molded pocket 10 is located immediately adjacent thescoop 28 and extends laterally from one sidewall 14 to the opposingsidewall 16, or generally from a first side of the scoop 28 to a second,opposite side of the scoop 28. This zone Z2 optionally can have moldedstrings of the first cross section D2, like that described above inconnection with zone 1. Of course, zones Z1 and Z2 can have differentcross sections as well if desired. For example, where the individualmolded strings, shooters or combined strings in zone Z1 connect directlyto sidewalls, scoop and/or ball stop of the lacrosse head, those moldedstrings in zone Z1 can be of a larger cross section than the crosssection of the molded strings in zone Z2.

As shown in FIG. 5, the molded pocket can include a third zone Z3immediately adjacent zone Z2, located generally between zone Z2 and themiddle of the pocket zone Z4, where the ball generally comes to restwhen head 20 is held in a horizontal position. In that third zone Z3,the molded strings optionally can vary from the first cross section D2in zones Z1 and Z2. For example, the molded strings in zone Z3 caninclude a second cross section D3, which can be of a lesser crosssection than the first cross section D2 in zones Z1 and Z2. The secondcross section D3 can optionally be about 0.5 mm² to about 2.0 mm²,further optionally about 1 mm² to about 1.5 mm², and further optionallyabout 1.25 mm², or other areas as desired.

Of course, these cross sectional areas can vary, as can the other crosssections described herein, depending on the desired characteristics ofthe molded pocket. Further, the order of cross section can be altereddepending on the particular play of the head. For example, the zone Z3can be constructed from molded strings that are actually of a largercross section the molded strings in zone Z2. Generally, however, thecross sections of molded strings in zone Z4 are less than the crosssections of molded strings in zones Z1, Z2 and Z3 to enhance thecradling capability of the ball and securely hold it or otherwise allowit to nest in the middle of the pocket in zone Z4.

Returning to zone Z3 shown in FIG. 5, that region is generally of anarcuate shape extending laterally from one sidewall 14 toward the othersidewall 16. Generally, the forward portion or edge Z3F of that zonenearest the scoop in the form an arc having a first radius R1. Therearward portion or edge Z3R of that zone Z3 can be in the form ofanother arc having a radius R2. Radius R1 can be less than radius R2.The difference between radius R1 and R2 can be anywhere from about 1% to20%, 5% to 15% or about 10% depending on the particular application andthe shape of the ball channel as described in further detail below.

The outermost lateral regions Z3B and Z3C of zone Z3 can include moldedstrings that transition immediately to the molded strings of the firstzone Z1. The molded strings generally can increase in cross sectionalarea as described below. Further, at these lateral transition regions,as well as at the longitudinal transition regions between the forwardedge Z3F and zone Z2, the rearward edge Z3R and zone 4, the moldedstrings, for example, the individual molded strings, shooters orcombined strings can form or include a transition part as describedbelow.

Optionally, near the ball stop 23, the molded pocket 10 can includeanother third zone Z3A which can include molded strings that are of thesame or similar second cross section D3 as the region Z3. This zone Z3Acan include a rearward portion Z3D and a forward portion Z3E. Both ofthese portions can be generally arcuate, parabolic and/or rounded. Therearward portion Z3D can transition directly to the zone Z1 around theperimeter of the pocket 10 and/or a support rails in the ball stopand/or sidewalls if included. The forward edge Z3E of the zone Z3A canlikewise be of an arcuate, parabolic and/or rounded as well, andgenerally of a concave shape when transitioning along the longitudinalaxis from the scoop 28 toward the ball stop 23. Generally, whenreferring to zone Z3, this also can refer to zone Z3A.

As described below, in the transition regions between zone Z3 or Z3A tozone Z4, the molded strings can include transitions parts. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the zones Z3 and Z3A can generally connect with oneanother, generally surrounding zone Z4 if desired. Of course, in otherembodiments, zone Z4 alternatively can separate zone Z3 and Z3Acompletely from one another, with zone Z4 transitioning immediately tothe perimeter zone Z1.

Zone Z4 is generally located in the middle of the pocket. The individualshooting strings, combined strings and/or shooters, if any are includedin this region, can include cross sections that can be of a third crosssection D4 that is less than the molded string second cross section areaD3 in zones Z3A and Z3, and also less than the molded string first crosssection D2 in zone Z2 and optionally Z1. In zone Z4, for example, themolded strings can have a third cross section area D4 ranging optionallyfrom about 0.25 mm² to about 2 mm², further optionally about 0.5 mm² toabout 1 mm², and even further optionally about 0.75 mm² The particularcross section of the molded strings in this zone can be selected so thatthe zone Z4 is generally somewhat flexible and deformable, at least moreso than the zones Z3, Z2 and Z1, which are designed to have slightlymore rigidity and structural resistance to deformation when a ballcontacts those zones. For example, the strings in zone Z4 can beconfigured so that when a player is cradling a ball in that section, theball engages the softer, optionally more elastic molded strings in thatregion to better retain and hold the lacrosse ball within the moldedpocket 10.

As shown in FIG. 6, zone Z4 and optionally the zone Z3 can beconstructed or configured to provide a particular function. For example,the cross section area of molded strings in zone Z4 can be sized orconstructed so that when a lacrosse ball B is cradled in the moldedpocket 10 such that centripetal force F1 is exerted on the ball, thatzone Z4 and optionally zone Z3 can deform so as to increase the distanceof the ball B from bottom 26A of the sidewall 26 to a distance D1,offset from the bottom of the rail 26A. Optionally, due to the crosssection area and/or elastic material properties of the molded pocket andits molded strings, the ball B can be held deeper in the pocket, fartheraway from the bottom rail 26A than with conventional mesh or other nets,when external forces are places on the ball, pocket and/or head.

Further optionally, the molded pocket can be constructed from anelastomeric material that is stretchable when a force is exerted uponit, such as the centripetal force F1, or some other force, so that themolded pocket temporarily and elastically deforms or stretches toprovide the desired increased pocket depth D1 as shown in FIG. 6. As anexample, when the ball B is in the bottom of the molded pocket in zoneZ4, in an uncradled or static position, or when the head 20 is simplyhorizontal, the very top of the ball B, can be even or slightly abovethe lowermost plane of the lower rail 26A. Optionally, in thisconfiguration, a viewer of the lacrosse head from a side view cannot seedaylight between the top of the ball and the bottom edge or plane of thesidewall. However, when a force F1 is exerted upon the ball, for exampleby cradling the ball or moving the stick rapidly in a forward motion asshown in FIG. 6, the ball B deforms from the molded pocket profile P1 tothe profile P2, and further alters the distance between the bottom edgeof the lower rail 26A to a distance which is deeper within the pocket.As an example, the ball can be moved to a distance D1 below thelowermost plane 26P or bottom edge of the lower rail 26A. Thus, the ballB is held deeper within the pocket 10.

In applications where the molded pocket is constructed from elastomericmaterial, when that elastomeric material stretches upon application ofthe force and movement of the ball deeper in the pocket, the moldedstrings in zones Z4 and Z3 can clamp laterally inward on the ball B,generally toward the longitudinal axis of the head. This can provideadditional grip to capture and retain the ball in the pocket.

FIG. 7 illustrates cross section areas in one embodiment of the moldedpocket 10 shown in FIG. 5 measured in distances from the ball stop 23toward the scoop 28, generally along the longitudinal axis 102 of thehead. As illustrated, the cross section areas of the molded strings,such as the individual strings, combined strings and/or shooters, fromthe ball stop to the scoop along the longitudinal axis of the moldedpocket, decrease from a first cross section area, to a smaller secondcross section area, and to an even smaller third cross section. Thecross section areas then increase from that third cross section area, toa greater second cross section area, which increases to an even greaterfirst cross section area transitioning from a ball stop to the scoop.Optionally one or more of the different cross section areas can beeliminated.

More particularly, as shown in FIG. 7, the individual molded strings,combined strings and/or shooters have different cross section areas D2,D3 and D4 throughout the respective zones. These cross section areas D2,D3 and D4 are the first, second and third cross section areas mentionedabove. As described above, the zone Z1 near the perimeter 15, nearestthe ball stop 23, is generally of the first cross section area D2. Thiscross section area transitions to a lesser second cross section area D3,which further transitions to an even lesser third cross section area D4corresponding to zone Z4. Proceeding farther toward the scoop along thelongitudinal axis 102 of the head, the molded pocket transitions fromzone Z4 to zone Z3, and in turn the cross section area transitions fromthird cross section area D4 to the second cross section area D3mentioned above. In proceeding farther toward the scoop, in the shootingramp, the zone Z3 transitions to zone Z2, and the cross section areascan transition from the second cross section area D3 to a greater firstcross section area D2 mentioned above.

To achieve the particular functional attributes noted above, for examplethe flexibility in the middle of the pocket or rigidity around theperimeter or in the shooting ramp, the molded strings can be of thedifferent cross sections in the different zones Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 orother zones of the head. Of course, additional or fewer zones can beincluded in the molded pocket 20. Optionally, however, to provide thedifferent functional attributes in the different zones, instead of or inaddition to varying the cross section areas, the durometer of thematerials from which the molded pocket and molded strings areconstructed can vary.

For example in zone Z4, the molded strings can be constructed from anelastomeric and/or polymeric material having a durometer ranging fromoptionally about 1 to 50 on Rockwell C, further optionally about 5 to 35on Rockwell C, and even further optionally about 10 to 25 on Rockwell C.In zone Z3, leading from the middle portion of the pocket to zone Z2near the scoop, the molded strings can be constructed from anelastomeric and/or polymeric material having a durometer ranging fromabout optionally about 30 to 70 on Rockwell C, further optionally about40 to 60 on Rockwell C, and even further optionally about 45 to 50 onRockwell C. In zone Z2 nearest the scoop, and zone Z1 around theperimeter, the molded strings can be constructed from an elastomericand/or polymeric material having a durometer ranging from aboutoptionally about 50 to 90 on Rockwell C, further optionally about 60 to80 on Rockwell C, and even further optionally about 70 on Rockwell C. Ofcourse, the aforementioned material properties, and in particular thedurometers or hardnesses of the molded pocket and its components canvary in different zones or regions, other than those specificallyillustrated in FIG. 5.

Optionally, the dimensions, shapes and/or number of the holes 31 and/orhole units 30 also can vary to provide the desired functional attributesof the molded pocket throughout the different zones Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4,or different regions of the pocket. For example as shown in FIG. 8, themolded pocket can have hole units 30 having respective holes 31 that canvary in the different zones Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4. In the first and secondzones Z1 and Z2, in the upper part of the pocket near the scoop and/oraround the perimeter 15, the pocket holes can be made up of holes of afirst dimension. Other holes in the third zone Z3, transitioning fromzones Z1 and/or Z2 to the zone Z4 can be of a second dimension that isgreater than the first dimension. In the zone Z4, generally in themiddle of the pocket, the holes can have a third dimension that isgreater than the first and second dimensions.

In zone Z2, the pocket holes 30 and/or hole units 31 can number suchthat there are 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 of them laterally from onesidewall 24 to the other sidewall 26. In zone Z3, the pocket holes 30and/or hole units 31 can number such that there are 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 or16 of them laterally from one sidewall to the other sidewall. In zone Z4the pocket holes 30 and/or hole units 31 can number such that there are4, 6, 8, or 10 of them laterally from one sidewall to the othersidewall. Further optionally in the zone Z3, there optionally can be 6,10, or further optionally 8, holes or hole units laterally from onesidewall to the other. In the zone Z4, there optionally can be 4, 8 orfurther optionally 6 holes or hole units laterally from one sidewall tothe other. The above number of holes can vary depending on the desiredfunctional attributes of the pocket and/or player position. In somecases, the number of hole units and/or holes can be consistent and thesame in all the different zones, and can have a generally uniformdimension across all the zones if desired.

As mentioned above, the molded strings can have varying cross sectionareas, where one part of the string transitions to another part of thestring having a different cross section area. For example, turning toFIG. 9, an individual molded string 12, or any of the combined strings12C (FIG. 4) or the shooters 19 (FIG. 1) can be constructed to includetransition parts. The molded string 12 can include a first part 12E, atransition part 12T and a second part 12F. The transition part 12T canbe located directly between the first and second parts, and can providea smooth, tapered transition between the first part 12E and the secondpart 12F of the molded string. Again, although described in connectionwith the molded individual strings, this transition part can beincorporated into any of the combined strings 12C, shooters 19 or othercomponents of the molded pocket, such as the rails.

The first part of the molded string 12E can be constructed to include atotal cross section area TCS1. The second part 12F can include a totalcross section area TCS3. The total cross section area TCS1 can begreater than the total cross section area TCS3 or vice versa. Forexample, the total cross section area TCS1 in FIG. 9 can be about 5%,10%, 15%, 25%, 30%, 50%, 75%, 100% or greater in area than the totalcross section area TCS3. Of course, the parts can be reversed, with thesizes reversed.

The overall geometric shapes of the respective cross section areas inparts 12E and 12F can be the same or they can be different. For example,the first part 12E can have a large circular or rounded cross sectionarea TCS1 and the cross section area TCS3 of the second part 12F can beof a like or similar cross section. Alternatively, the first crosssection area TCS1 can be square and the second cross section area TCS3can be round or oval. The different cross sections can be mixed andmatched, depending on the particular application and desired contactbetween the molded strings and the lacrosse ball within the moldedpocket.

As shown in FIG. 9, the transition part 12T enables a smooth transitionbetween the different cross section areas from the parts 12E and 12Fwithin the molded string. The cross section area of the transition part12T can include one or more total cross section areas TCS2. The crosssection area TCS2 can be a combination of multiple different varyingcross section areas TCS2 ranging from a size almost the same as, or thesame as, TCS3 in the second part to the size TCS1 in the first part. Thetotal cross section areas TCS2 in the transition part 12T can vary alongthe transition length TL. This transition length TL can be optionallyabout 0.1 mm to about 50 mm, 1 mm to about 25 mm, 2 mm to about 15 mm, 3mm to about 8 millimeters, about 5 mm, or other lengths depending on theparticular application and the abruptness of the change in cross sectionarea between the first and second parts 12E and 12F.

Optionally, the transition part 12T can have a cross section area of thesame shape, or a different shape, as the cross section areas of thefirst and second parts. For example, the first part 12E can have a crosssection area TCS1 of a circular shape, the transition part 12T can havea cross section area TCS2 of an oval shape, and the second part 12F canhave a cross section area TCS3 of a round or square shape. The geometricshapes and the cross section areas throughout the first part, secondpart and transition part can vary, again depending on the desiredproperties of the string.

Generally, the transition part 12T can have a frustoconical shape whenviewed from a top or side view as shown in FIG. 9, particularly wherethe first and second parts of the molded string have a rounded orcircular cross section area. Other tapered shapes, diminishing in totalcross sectional area from the first part to the second part can beselected for the transition part 12T. Generally the cross section TCS2of the transition part 12T can vary by at least about 1% to about 200%,20% to 100%, 50% to 100%, 75% to 100%, or other amounts, from one endadjacent the first part 12E to the other end adjacent the second part12F.

The transition part 12T can be implemented with the molded strings orcomponents of the molded pocket to provide a smooth transition betweenfirst and second parts of the pocket of varying cross sections. Thetransition part 12T generally provides a non-abrupt, non-steppedtransition between different parts so that a ball within a lacrossepocket can smoothly roll across the molded string surfaces facing towardthe interior of the pocket. Of course, in certain applications, integralsteps or abrupt transitions can be integrated into the transition part12T between different first and second parts as desired.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 9, the particular transition part 12T can beimplemented in transition regions between the different zones, forexample between adjacent ones of the zones Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4. Where itis desired to include different cross sections within the particularzones themselves, the transition parts 12T can be implemented in thosedifferent portions of the zones as well.

FIG. 9 also shows details of the parts transitioning to the transitionpart 12T. For example, the first part 12E transitions to the transitionpart 12T at a first angle α1. The second part 12F can transition to thetransition part 12T at a second angle α2. These angles α1 and α2 aremeasured relative to the outer surfaces of the respective first part,transition part and second part that lie within a bisecting plane BPthat generally bisects the respective first part, second part andtransition part. Generally, these angles α1 and α2 can be optionallyless that about 90°, further optionally about less than 60°, evenfurther optionally less than 45°, yet even further optionally less than30°, and still yet even further optionally less than 20°. Of course,although shown as transitioning at angles, the first and second partscan transition to the transition part in regions where the outersurfaces of the molded string are rounded, curved or of an arcuateshape, rather than of an angled shape within the bisecting plane BP. Theparticular transitions can vary depending on the construction of themold with which the string 12 is constructed.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the molded pocket described hereincan include pocket holes that are longer in a pocket hole lengthdimension than a pocket hole width dimension. For example as shown inFIG. 10, the molded pocket can include molded strings that form holeunits 30A, 30B or 30C. These different hole units define holes 31A, 31Band 31C which generally are of different geometric shapes. For example,hole 31A is of a triangular shape, hole 31B is of an oval shape, andhole 31C is of a polygonal shape. Different shapes other than thoseshown can be implemented in the holes and hole units as desired.

Generally, the different hole units 30A, 30B and 30C include broadsides33A, 33B and 33C that are configured for attachment to the support rails13, 14, 16 and/or 18 or other components of the pocket that connectdirectly or indirectly to the head 10. Alternatively, these broadsides33A, 33B and 33C can connect directly to the lacrosse head itself incertain constructions, or to strings or laces that are strung to thehead, or to a pocket frame as described below.

The hole units 30A, 30B and 30C are constructed so that the longitudinaldimensions 30L are greater than the lateral width dimensions 30W of eachof the respective holes 31A, 31B and 31C and/or hole units 30A, 30B and30C. These widths and lengths are generally aligned with and/or parallelto the lateral axis 101 and longitudinal axis 102 (FIG. 1) respectivelyof the lacrosse head and/or molded pocket. The respective hole units30A, 30B and 30C include a broadside 33A, 33B and 33C that are longerthan, or of a greater dimension than, the widths 30W of the holes and/orhole units. This can increases the overall attachment surface area ofthe hole units and the corresponding molded pocket to whatever structurethose hole units are attached, for example the support rails 13, 14 16and/or 18, the head directly, or a pocket frame as described below.

The lengths 30L and widths 30W of the hole units can be measured fromthe innermost perimeter of holes 31A-31C of the hole units. The preciseratio of the length to the width for the broadside hole units can varydepending on the particular application. For example as shown in FIG.10, the length 30L of the units can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15 or 20 timesgreater than the width 30W of the hole units.

With regard to hole units 30A, 30B and 30C positioned near the perimeter15 of the pocket 10, the broadsides of those perimeter hole unitsoptionally can be positioned so that the associated individual moldedstrings, combined strings and/or shooters are immediately adjacent asupport rail of the pocket, a lateral side of the frame to which thepocket is joined, a lower sidewall rail of the lacrosse head, and/or thescoop. Perimeter hole units having this broadside construction can beattached to structural portions of the molded pocket and/or the head ina consistent strength enhancing manner. This can reduce and/or eliminatetearing of the molded pocket adjacent the support rail and/or headcomponent. In some cases, this type of broadside attachment also canenhance the elasticity of the molded pocket, and in particular the holeunits, in these regions. In turn, this can provide enhanced flexibilityand/or rigidity, depending on the particular construction in theselocations. Further, when coupled the increased cross section area ofmolded strings, the use of broadsides in hole units can enhance therigidity and strength of the molded pocket near the perimeter.

FIG. 11 illustrates the broadsides 33B of the units 30B configured toattach to a lower rail 26A on the sidewall 26 of the head 20. Again,with the broadsides attached to the rail or some intermediate supportrail 14, 16 (FIG. 10), the pocket 10 can be more securely attached tothe head 20.

Optionally, the hole units 30A, 30B and 30C shown in FIG. 10 can beconfigured so that along their broadsides, for example 33A, 33B and 33C,the hole units are bounded by an individual molded string or a moldedcombined string. For example, referring to hole unit 30B, along theupper and lower curved portions of the hole unit, that unit can bebounded by individual molded strings. Along the left and right broadsides of the hole unit, the unit can be bounded by combined strings. Inthis manner, the broadside of the hole unit can have an effectivegreater cross section are in some cases, than the upper and lowerportions of the hole unit.

As shown in FIGS. 12-13, the molded pocket 10 can also define a shootingchannel 40 to ensure a consistent launch and exit of a lacrosse ballfrom the head 20. This ball channel 40 can be specifically configureddepending on the position of the player using the head. For example, theball channel can vary for players using a head in an attack position, amidfield position, or a defense position, as explained further below indetail.

Generally, the ball channel 40 can be implemented in the molded pocket10 so that it extends from the middle portion M of the molded pocket 10,through the ramp R, toward the scoop 28. The particular locations of themiddle portion of the pocket M and the ramp R can vary depending on theparticular construction of the molded pocket. Optionally, the middleportion M can be at and/or near the part of the pocket at which an apexAP (FIG. 13F) is found. The apex can be the part of the pocket that isthe greatest distance from the head, and/or generally the lowermost partof the pocket. The molded pocket 40 can be bounded on opposing sides bygenerally flat, planar portions or flanks, 50A and 50B of the pocket.These flanks 50A and 50B are generally disposed on opposing sides of theball channel 40 as it extends from the middle of the pocket M toward thescoop. The flanks can extend laterally outward from the ball channel 40to the sidewall or sides of the scoop, generally filling the spacebetween those features and the ball channel in the interior of the head.

Although shown as generally being separated along the entirelongitudinally axis 102 from one another by the ball channel 40, theflanks 50A and 50B can join one another, forward of the ball channel 40near the scoop 28. The flanks also can extend through the ramp leadingfrom the middle of a pocket M toward the scoop. The flanks can terminateadjacent the middle portion of the pocket M, which can correspond to thezone Z4 shown in FIG. 5. Further, the flanks 50A and 50B can be disposedin zone Z3 and Z2 as shown in FIG. 5.

The flanks can be generally flat and planar as shown, or can include aslight or significant curvature extending from the channel 40 to theperimeter 15 of the molded pocket on opposing sides, near the sidewalls14 and 16 of the head 20. Optionally, the flanks can be concave upwardlyor convex upwardly, into the interior 22 of the head 20. The flanks,along with the ball channel, can all be constructed as integral parts ofthe molded pocket 10, including any of the features explained in theembodiments herein. For example, the network of molded strings 12 andany associated shooting strings or other parts can be monolithically andintegrally formed with one another from a polymeric material to form asingle piece unit, spanning across the flanks and ball channel, as wellas the ramp and middle portion of the pocket.

Optionally, where the flanks, ball channel, middle portion of the pocketand ramp are all part of the molded pocket, and the pocket isconstructed from an elastomeric material, these components can remain ina somewhat fixed, static configuration, in which they are allconsistently and semi-rigidly held in a desired spatial configuration.However, given the elastic and stretching properties of the elastomericmaterial, these components can flex or stretch out of the staticconfiguration to a dynamic configuration, and then return to the staticconfiguration after a particular head manipulation is performed. Forexample, when a lacrosse ball is shot out the ball channel 40 from themiddle portion of the pocket M along the ramp R, all of these componentscan flex or stretch, and more particularly, the molded strings andshooters of these components can elongate, stretch, compress orotherwise deform. When this occurs, the channel and flanks, and rampand/or middle of the pocket can change their spatial orientation fromone another, in some cases, changing temporarily the angles of thesecomponents relative to one another, the dimensions of the respectivecomponents, and the general distances between the components and/or thesidewall, scoop and/or base of the head.

The flanks can include portions of the shooters 19 if desired. Theshooters 19 can extend through the first flank 50A, the ball channel 40,and out toward the opposing sidewall along the flank 50B. The shooters19 themselves can be depressed, recessed or warped generally along theircentral region near the longitudinal axis 102, and can extend downwardlyinto the ball channel 40, as described below.

Returning to FIGS. 12 and 13, the ball channel 40 can be configured tochannel the ball and the direction of the shooting arrows S so that theball cleanly and consistently exits the middle portion of the pocket Malong the longitudinal axis 102, or some other predefined axis,depending on the particular lacrosse pocket. To facilitate thisconsistency, the ball channel 40 can be in the form of a recess, groove,or channel having predefined geometric shape and dimensions. As shown inFIG. 13, the shape is generally of a U or V shape or sideways C shape.Of course, the shape can vary to include other geometric shapes.Further, although extending from the middle portion M of the pockettoward the scoop 28, the ball channel 40 can extend along any portion ofthe pocket from the ball stop 23 to the scoop 28.

The ball channel 40 can be centered on the longitudinal axis 102 of thehead. In some cases, however, the ball channel 40 can be offsetlaterally toward one sidewall 14 or the other sidewall 16. The offsetangle of approach toward the scoop can vary from being parallel with thelongitudinal axis 102. For example, the ball channel can have an axis40LA that is offset at some angle α4 from the longitudinal axis 102.This angle α4 can be about 1°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20° or other angles asdesired. Further, it can be offset either direction, laterally of thelongitudinal axis 102.

As shown in FIG. 13, the ball channel 40 is illustrated with an upwardlyconcave contour along its length. For example, it is illustrated withthe contour C1, contour C2, contour C3 and contour C4, which generallyare ordered from the scoop 28 toward the ball stop 23. Although onlydescribed herein in connection with four contours, there may be aninfinite number of contours along the ball channel 40.

Generally the ball channel 40 can be contoured so that the contoursC1-C4 are of a decreasing depth D1-D4, and increasing width W1-W4. Asillustrated, these contours are generally of a U, V, sideways C shape,or parabolic shape, concave upwardly toward the upper side of thelacrosse head. The contours can include maximum depths and maximumwidths. Measured from the interior 22 of the head, the depths generallyextend from the upper surface of the molded pocket immediately adjacentthe contours, downward to the lowermost portion of the contours. Thedepths also can vary increasingly from near the scoop 28 toward the ballstop 23 or the middle of pocket M.

For example, the contours C1, C2, C3 and C4 can be of an increasingdepth from the scoop to the middle M of the pocket. The variance in thedepths of the ball channel 40 along the contours can be such that depthD4 of contour C4 is optionally about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25times greater than depth D1 of contour C1. The depths D1-D4 can alsovary depending on the position of the player using the molded pocket,and/or depending on the desired location of the apex AP of the pocket,that is, the deepest part of the molded pocket from scoop 28 to base 23.For example, the apex can be located high near the scoop, in the middleabout midway between the scoop and the ball stop, or low, that is, nearthe ball stop of the head. Depending on the locations of the apex, thedepths D1-D4 can vary, and optionally all can generally increase fromthe scoop toward the apex of the pocket and/or the middle portion M ofthe pocket.

The contours C1-C4 of the ball channel can include widths W1-W4 thatvary from the scoop toward the apex of the pocket and/or the middle M ofthe pocket, generally in an increasing manner. The variance between thewidth W1 of the contour C1 relative to that of the width W4 at contourC4 can be such that width W4 is optionally about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15,20, or 25 times greater than width W1 at contour C1. Optionally, widthsW1-W4 can generally increase from the scoop toward the apex of thepocket and/or the middle M of the pocket. Further optionally, thecontours can be configured so that the contours near the middle portionof the pocket have a first width, and the contours near the scoop have asecond width that is at least one of less than, greater than, and/or thesame as the first width.

Referring to FIG. 13, the shooters 19 can traverse the pocket 10,generally from the first side of the perimeter 15 across to the otherside perimeter 15 on the opposite of the longitudinal axis 102. Intraversing the pocket 10, the shooting string can generally be of aplanar or slightly concave upward formation, across the flank 50B, aswell as the opposing flank 50A. The shooting string 19 also can dipdownward to form a shooting contour SC corresponding to the ball channel40. This shooting contour SC can be of the same geometric shape, forexample, concave upwardly toward the upper surface of the molded pocketwithin the ball channel 40. The shooter contour SC generally can be ofthe U, V, or sideways C shape, or a parabolic shape similar to that ofany of the other contours C1-C4. It can also include the widths anddepths of the contours in the immediately adjacent area and/orvariations of the same depending on its particular location within theshooting ramp of the pocket.

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 13D and 13E, ball channel 40 and/or theconcave shooting contour SC can merge or transition into the flanks onopposing sides of the channel. In this transition, the generally concaveball channel or shooting contour (when viewed from the front of thehead) can transition at shoulders 41S to the flanks. The shoulders canbe subtle, and generally in the form of a large radius transition thatjoins the flanks at their innermost parts with the ball channel. In theshoulders 41S, the molded strings and shooters can be permanently formedand molded in a rounded or angled configuration to provide thetransition. Of course, where the molded pocket and these components areconstructed from an elastomeric material, they can elastically deformfrom the rounded or angled configuration and snap back to their originalconfiguration after a relevant force is removed.

As mentioned above, the shooting strings 19 can traverse the hole units30 in the molded pocket 10. Accordingly, in some cases, where theshooting strings 19 traverse hole units within the ball channel 40, thecombined shooting strings and hole units, and corresponding individualstrings or combined strings, can also be incorporated into a monolithicstructure having the shooting contour SC.

Optionally, the shooting contour SC, or any other contour C1-C4 for thatmatter, can be shaped so that the components of the pocket on oppositesides of the longitudinal axis 102 are identical and symmetricallylocated about the axis to impart consistent spin and/or forces on alacrosse ball contacting the components on opposite sides oflongitudinal axis 102 as that lacrosse ball traverses along the ballchannel 40. For example, if there is a hole unit disposed in theshooting contour SC or any of the other contours C1-C4, that hole unitcan be positioned so that it is symmetric across the longitudinal axis102. Alternatively, the first and second hole units can be positionedimmediately adjacent one another, but on opposite sides of thelongitudinal axis 102. In this manner, the longitudinal axis 102generally dissects the individual molded string or the combined stringalong the axis 102.

As mentioned above, the ball channel and location of the apex, orcorresponding deepest depth of the pocket, can vary for players using ahead in an attack position, a midfield position, or a defense position.For use in an attack position, the ball channel 40 can be relativelywell defined, having a lower (toward and the ball stop) pocket apex witha long center channel length (a long ramp). The ball channel 40 also canbe “deeper” from the middle M of the pocket, where the ball is typicallycradled or held, through the ramp R and out toward the scoop 28 of thehead. As an example, with reference to FIG. 12A, the molded pocket 10can be configured to include multiple zones, that is, an attack zone AZ,a midfield zone MZ and a defense zone DZ. When a head with the moldedpocket is to be used in an attack position, the apex AAP of the attackpocket can be located in the attack zone AZ. Generally, this attack zoneAZ of the pocket corresponds to the molded pocket portion located in thefirst ⅓^(rd) or ⅖^(th) the distance from the ball stop 23 along thelongitudinal axis 102. The apex AAP of the attack pocket can correspondto the maximum depth of the molded pocket, which maximum depth ismeasured either from the lowest point of the sidewall 26 in theparticular zone, for example the attack zone, to the bottom of themolded pocket in that particular zone, or from the longitudinal axis 102centered vertically in the ball stop 23, depending on the application.When the apex AAP of the attack pocket is located in the attack zone,the pocket is considered a low pocket. When the pocket is a low pocket,the pocket 10 in general is deepest in the attack zone AZ, with thepocket in the midfield zone MZ and defense zone DZ generally beingshallower than that depth of the pocket in the attack zone AZ.

For use in a midfield position, the pocket can include a ball orshooting channel and an apex placed in the middle of the pocket, forexample, midway between the ball stop and the scoop. The shootingchannel 40 can be a mid-center length channel for better control. As anexample, with reference to FIG. 12A, when a head with the molded pocketis to be used in a midfield position, the apex MAP of the midfieldpocket can be located in the midfield zone MZ. Generally, this midfieldzone MZ of the pocket corresponds to the molded pocket portion locatedin the second ⅓^(rd) or ⅖^(th) the distance from the ball stop 23 alongthe longitudinal axis 102 as illustrated. The apex MAP of the midfieldpocket can correspond to the maximum depth of the molded pocket, whichmaximum depth is measured either from the lowest point of the sidewall26 in the particular zone, for example the midfield zone, to the bottomof the molded pocket in that particular zone, or from the longitudinalaxis 102 when that axis is centered vertically in the ball stop 23,depending on the application. When the apex MAP of the midfield pocketis located in the midfield zone MZ, the pocket is considered amid-pocket. Further, when the pocket is a mid-pocket, the pocket 10 ingeneral is deepest in the midfield zone MZ, with the pocket in theattack zone AZ and defense zone DZ generally being shallower than thatdepth of the pocket in the midfield zone MZ.

For use in a defense position, the pocket can include an apex placedhigh on the pocket, toward the scoop, and a short shooting or centerchannel (a short ramp). For example, the apex can be located between themidway (located between the ball stop and the scoop), and the scoop. Asa further example, with reference to FIG. 12A, when a head with themolded pocket is to be used in a defense position, the apex DAP of thedefense pocket can be located in the defense zone DZ. Generally, thisdefense zone DZ of the pocket corresponds to the molded pocket portionlocated in the third or last ⅓rd or ⅖th the distance from the ball stop23 along the longitudinal axis 102 as illustrated. The apex DAP of theattack pocket can correspond to the maximum depth of the molded pocket,which maximum depth is measured either from the lowest point of thesidewall 26 in the particular zone, for example the defense zone DZ, tothe bottom of the molded pocket in that particular zone, or from thelongitudinal axis 102 when that axis is centered vertically in the ballstop 23, depending on the application. When the apex DAP of the defensepocket is located in the defense zone MZ, the pocket is considered ahigh pocket. Further, when the pocket is a high pocket, the pocket 10 ingeneral is deepest in the defense zone DZ, with the pocket in the attackzone AZ and midfield zone MZ generally being shallower than the depth ofthe pocket in the defense zone DZ.

Examples of dimensions or maximum depths for particular pockets, that ishigh pockets, mid pockets and low pockets, in the respective zones arepresented in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Values for Maximum Pocket Depths in Heads of Different PositionsHigh Pocket Mid Pocket Low Pocket Maximum Depth Optionally, about 1 mmto N/A N/A to Bottom of about 315 mm; further Pocket in Defenseoptionally about 15 mm to Zone 160 mm; even further optionally about 30mm to 65 mm Maximum Depth N/A Optionally, about 1 mm to N/A to Bottom ofabout 315 mm; further Pocket in Midfield optionally about 15 mm to Zone160 mm; even further optionally about 30 mm to 65 mm Maximum Depth N/AN/A Optionally, about 1 mm to to Bottom of about 315 mm; further Pocketin Attack optionally about 15 mm to Zone 160 mm; even further optionallyabout 30 mm to 65 mm

The construction of the ball channel, shooting ramp, apex and otherfeatures of the molded pocket 10, when configured for use in one or morepositions, for example, attack, midfield and defense positions, as wellas goalie positions, for both men's and women's lacrosse heads, isbetter understood with reference to FIGS. 13A-13F.

As shown there, the molded pocket 40 generally includes the middleportion M which transitions to a shooting ramp R. The ball channel 40can extend within at least the ramp R and can be generally flanked onopposite sides through the ramp by flanks 50A and 50B as describedabove. As shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C, the area adjacent the middle M ofthe pocket 10 can include a bottom 42B that transitions to pocket walls50S. The bottom 42B can be rounded or polygonal. When rounded, thebottom 42B can be in the shape of an arc having a radius, such as radiusR_(B) or R_(C) shown in cross sections taken perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 102 in FIGS. 13B and 13C. The radius R_(B) can bemeasured at a location where the cross section shown in FIG. 13B istaken about 1 to about 3 inches from the base 23. The radius R_(C) canbe taken at a location where the cross section shown in FIG. 13C istaken about 3 to about 5 inches from the base 23. The radii above cancorrespond to the curvature of the pocket across a width of the pocket,sometimes referred to as a width curvature.

Generally, the rounded bottom 42B can transition to the pocket walls50S. The pocket walls 50S can be planar, or have a rounded shape with asignificantly larger radius than that of the rounded bottom 42B. Wherethe transition occurs, or generally where the rounded bottom 42Bintersects or merges into the pocket walls, the pocket walls can projectsubstantially at an wall angle B1 or B2 away from the end or boundary ofthe rounded bottom 42. The wall angles B1 and B2 can be measuredrelative to a vertical plane VP that is parallel to and laterally offsetfrom the longitudinal axis 102 and that passes through the intersectionof the rounded bottom 42B and the respective pocket wall SOS.

The radii of the rounded bottom and the wall angles can vary dependingon the applications. Various optional values for wall angles B1 and B2,first width curvature and radius R_(B), and second width curvature andradius R_(C), used in connection with virtually any head used in anyposition, are illustrated in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Values for Curvature Widths and Wall Angles in Pockets PocketDimensions Curvature Width R_(B) about 10 mm to about 315 mm about 10 mmto about 65 mm Curvature Width R_(C) about 10 mm to about 315 mm about10 mm to about 65 mm Wall Angle B1 about 0° to about 90° about 4° toabout 90° about 15° to about 40° Wall Angle B2 about 4° to about 90°about 0° to about 90° about 15° to about 50°

With further reference to FIGS. 13D and 13E, the molded pocket 10 can beformed with the ball channel 40 or shooting contour SC of particularconfigurations and the flanks 50A, 50B being disposed at preselectedflank angles B3 and B4. As an example, the ball channel can be roundedor polygonal. When rounded, it can be in the shape of an arc having aradius, such as radius R_(D) or R_(E) shown in cross sections takenperpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102. The ball channel 40 radiusR_(D) can be taken at a location where the cross section shown in FIG.13D is taken about 5 to about 7 inches from the base 23. The ballchannel 40 radius R_(E) can be established at a location where the crosssection shown in FIG. 13E is taken about 6.5 to about 9 inches from thebase 23. This radius can be part of a circle having a center that isbelow the pocket rather than above it, as in the other radii notedabove.

Generally, the rounded ball channel 40 transitions to the flanks 50A and50B at the optional shoulders 41S as described herein. Where thetransition occurs, or generally at or near the shoulders 41S, the pocketwalls can project substantially at flank angles B3, B4 away from the endor boundary of the ball channel 40 or shooting contour SC. The flankangles B3 and B4 can be measured relative to a vertical plane VP that isparallel to the longitudinal axis 102 and that passes through theintersection of the ball channel 40 or shooting contour SC and therespective flank 50A or 50B, optionally at the shoulder 41S. In thisconfiguration at the cross section taken in FIG. 13, the ball channel orshooting contour can be substantially planar and/or can include only asmall amount of rounding.

The radii of the ball channel and shooting contour, as well as the flankangles can vary depending on the application. The side-to-side widthcurvatures of the ball channel and/or shooting contour and the flankangles as well can. Various optional values for the flank angles B3 andB4, and the curvatures of the ball channel R_(D) and R_(E) used inconnection with virtually any head used in any position, are illustratedin Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Values for Flank Angles and Ball Channel Curvatures in PocketsPocket Dimensions Flank Angle B3 about 90° to about 0° about 60° toabout 30° Flank Angle B4 about 90° to about 0° about 80° to about 45°Ball Channel Curvature about 10 mm to about 100 mm R_(D) about 20 mm toabout 50 mm Ball Channel Curvature no curvature; flat or R_(E)substantially planar about 0 mm to about 1000 mm about 200 mm to about800 mm

With reference to FIG. 13F, the molded pocket 10 can be formed with theball channel 40 or shooting contour SC of a particular configuration andramp angle relative to other components. For example, the ball channel40 and shooting contour SC can include a shooting ramp 40R down itscenter, which is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis 102, andwhich is visible in the cross section taken parallel to the longitudinalaxis 102 in FIG. 13F. Generally, the shooting ramp bottom, which istaken at the point of greatest depth in the ball channel, is comprisedof a first part 40R1 and a second part 40R2. The first part 40R1 can begenerally planar or linear, and can transition to the rounded bottom 42Bof the pocket. At the transition, the first part 40R1 can form a rampangle B6 and proceed along that angle, linearly to the second part 40R2.The second part 40R2 can be less linear or planar than the first part40R1, and indeed can lie along an arc having a radius R_(F). Generally,the arc can be part of a circle with a center being located below thepocket 10, with that circle intersecting the longitudinal axis 102. Thesecond part 40R2 can follow this arc toward and/or to the scoop 28. Ofcourse, the first and second parts can be merged together as onecontinuous, unchanging part, for example, where both parts have the sameradius R_(F), or in which both are of a similar planar or linearconfiguration.

The pocket bottom 42B can be generally rounded along a direction fromthe base 23 to the scoop 28, as shown in the cross section taken in FIG.13F. The pocket bottom 42B can follow an arc, having a radius R_(G). Thearc can be part of a circle with a center being located above the pocket10, with that circle intersecting the longitudinal axis 102. Generally,the molded pocket can be formed so that along the longitudinal axis 102,the rounded bottom includes a first curvature, optionally having a firstradius R_(G) and that first curvature transitions to a second curvature,optionally having the second radius R_(F) in a direction from base 23 toscoop 28. As noted above, the first and second curvatures, and the radiican be formed from circles with centers above and below the moldedpocket respectively. Also, if desired, the first curvature cantransition to a relatively linear, flat or planar first part of ashooting ramp which itself transitions to the second curvature.

As shown in FIG. 13F, the front portion of the bottom 42B can transitionto the shooting ramp 40R at a transition location 40T. At thistransition location, the shooting ramp 40R, and optionally the firstpart 40R1, can be disposed at a ramp angle B6. This ramp angle can betaken at the point or along a line where the bottom 42B transitions tothe ramp 40R, and can be taken relative to a first horizontal axis HA1that runs generally parallel to and optionally below the longitudinalaxis 102.

At its rear, near the base 23, the rounded bottom 42B can transition toa rear pocket wall 50R. This wall 50R can be contiguous with the pocketwalls 50S, and can cleanly merge into them. The rear pocket wall canextend generally toward the base 23 or ball stop depending on itsprecise location. The rear portion of the bottom 42B also can transitionto the rear pocket wall at a transition location 50T. At this transitionlocation, the rear pocket wall can be disposed at a rear pocket wallangle B5. This angle B5 can be taken at the point or along a line wherethe bottom 42B transitions to the rear pocket wall, and can be takenrelative to the first horizontal axis HA1 (or some other horizontalaxis) that runs generally parallel to and optionally below thelongitudinal axis 102.

The first and second curvatures, respective radii, shooting ramp anglesand rear pocket wall angles can vary depending on the application.Various optional values for ramp angle B6, rear pocket wall angle B5,first curvature and radius R_(G), and second curvature and radius R_(F)used in connection with virtually any head used in any position, areillustrated in Table 4 below.

TABLE 4 Ramp Angles, Rear Pocket Wall Angles, First and Second CurvatureValues Pocket Dimensions Shooting Ramp Angle about 10° to about 80° B6about 20° to about 70° about 30° to about 50° Rear Pocket Wall Angleabout 10° to about 80° B5 about 15° to about 75° about 25° to about 65°First Curvature/Radius about 10 mm to about 1000 mm R_(G) about 50 mm toabout 800 mm Second Curvature/ no curvature; flat or Radius R_(F)substantially planar about 0 mm to about 500 mm about 0 mm to about 100mm

III. First Alternative Embodiment

A first alternative embodiment of the lacrosse pocket is illustrated inFIGS. 16-19 and generally designated 110. The pocket shown there issimilar in construction and operation to the embodiments described abovewith several exceptions. For example, the pocket 110 is molded directlyto a pocket frame 60. The molded pocket 110 can be molded from the sameor a different material from the pocket frame 60. For example, themolded pocket 110 can be of an elastomeric material while the pocketframe 60 can be from a more rigid polymer or plastic, such as nylon.Alternatively, the molded pocket 110 can be constructed from a firstpolymeric material of a first durometer, while the pocket frame 60 canbe molded from the same polymeric material having a greater durometer.

Generally, the pocket 110 can include the individual molded strings,combined molded strings, shooters, rails and other components asdescribed in connection with the embodiments above. The pocket frame 60can be constructed so as to be rigidly and consistently attached to thepocket. For example, as shown in FIGS. 18, 18A and 19, the frame 60 caninclude an inner part 61 and an outer part 62. The inner part 61 andouter part 62 can be identical to one another, but of course can beasymmetrically formed or dissimilar from one another in structuredepending on the particular application. The inner part 61 and outerpart 62 can each form a somewhat plate like structure that extends froma bottom 64 to a top 65 of the frame 60. The pocket frame 60 can definea groove 63 extending from the bottom 64 to the top 65 of the frame, orgenerally upward from the bottom. The inner surfaces of the inner part61 and outer part 62, namely the interior surfaces 61A and 62A cangenerally define the groove 63.

The inner part 61 and outer part 62 also can include a structuralprotuberance or projection 61B and 62B extending laterally outward awayfrom the exterior surfaces of the inner and outer parts 61 and 62respectively. The projections as shown can be of a semicirculargeometric configuration. Alternatively, they can be of another geometricconfiguration, for example, they can be triangular, polygonal,rectangular, square, trapezoidal or combinations of the foregoing.Moreover, the projections 61B and 62B can be duplicated on the exteriorsurfaces of the parts, and instead of being a single projection canextend in multiple places from the top 65 to the bottom 64 of the pocketframe along the parts 61 and 62. Of course, these projections 61B and62B can also be formed as elongated ridges that extend around the entirepocket frame 60 generally facing the interior 22 as shown in FIG. 16, orreplaced with recesses or apertures, to form female type interlockingstructures.

Returning to FIG. 16, the projections 61B and 62B can operate to form aphysical interlocking structure between the pocket frame 60 and thecomponent of the head frame 20 which is molded over the frame 60. Asshown in FIG. 18, and particularly the exploded sub view of FIG. 18A,that component can be the scoop 28. As shown there, the scoop 28 candefine a groove 29 within which the pocket frame 60 is positioned. Asdescribed in further detail below, the scoop 28 and more generally thehead 20 can be molded over the pocket frame 60. Alternatively, thepocket frame 60 can be molded within the groove or recess 29 defined bythe scoop 28. Optionally, this recess 29 can extend also into thesidewalls and/or ball stop 23, depending on the particular applicationand connection points between the molded pocket 110 and the lacrossehead 20.

Returning to FIGS. 17 and 18, the molded pocket 110 can include asupport rail 118. Although shown in connection with a forward supportrail 118 adjacent the scoop, the pocket can also include other sidewallsupport rails and ball stop support rails having components andconnected to the pocket frame similar to that of the forward supportrail. For example as shown in FIG. 18, the support rail 118 is used inthe scoop for attaching molded pocket 110 to the pocket frame 60. In theball stop 23 of the head 20, the ball stop support rail 113 is joinedwith the pocket frame 60. That ball stop support rail 113 can be of asimilar construction as the scoop support rail 118. Likewise, thesidewall support rails 114 and 116 shown in FIG. 19 can be attached tothe pocket frame 60 using similar constructions as that described inconnection with the scoop support rail 118.

The support rail 118 can be encapsulated, embedded or otherwise trappedwithin the groove 63 of the pocket frame 60. Specifically, the supportrail 118 can include inner 118A and outer 118B surfaces. These surfacescan be bonded directly to the interior of the groove 63, for exampledirectly to the surfaces 61A and 62A. Although not shown, the surfaces61A and 62A can include one or more recesses or ridges, or holes orprojections to further enhance the mechanical bonding of the supportrail 118 to the pocket frame 60.

Optionally, the support rail 118 can extend a distance D5 outward andbelow the bottom 64 of the pocket frame 60. This distance can varydepending on the particular flexibility of the molded support rail afterit is completed. In some cases, the support rail can extend a distanceD5 that is optionally about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or 10 mm belowthe bottom 64 of the pocket frame 60. In some cases, the support railcan be configured so that it does not extend beyond the bottom 64 of thepocket frame 60, in which case distance D5 can be zero.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the support rail of the pocket canoptionally include a T-shaped end 118C that assists in mechanicallyjoining the pocket and the frame. The T-shaped end 118C can includefirst and second lateral members that extend outwardly at the end 65over the inner part 61 and out part 62 of the pocket frame 60. Theselateral members or wings can extend from the inner to the outer surfacesof the inner part 61 and outer part 62 respectively. The flanges canprovide an additional mechanical and structural connection between thesupport rail 118 and the pocket frame 60, and more particularly canimpair the support rail 118 from moving significantly within the groove63.

If desired, the T-shaped end 118 c can be eliminated or modified, withthe top of the support rail terminating at an end that is the same widthas the remainder of the support rail. This end may or may not beencapsulated or covered by an overlaying portion of the frame. Althoughnot shown, the T-shaped end can be replaced with an L-shaped end whichincludes a lateral flange that overlaps only the first part or thesecond part. Further, the support rail 118 can be configured so that insome portion of the rail around the perimeter of the head, the T-shapedend 118 c is included, but in other areas it is not. The areas it islocated can correspond to those where the pocket encounters forces thatmight pull the pocket away from the frame. Optionally, the lateralmembers in different areas can be thickened or thinned, and can extenddifferent distances or thicknesses from the top 65 of the frame pocket60. These different thicknesses can be fine tuned to the particularlocation in the head in which particular characteristics are desired.

Turning to FIG. 19, the sidewalls 24 or 26 of the head 20 including thepocket frame 60 and molded pocket 110 can be of a particularconfiguration. As shown there, the pocket frame 60 and the correspondingsupport rails 114 and 116 joined therewith is molded over by the lowerrails 24A and 26A of the respective sidewalls 24 and 26 of the head 20.The pocket frame 60 and respective support rails 114, 116 can be formedin a similar manner to that of the scoop support rail 118 as shown atFIG. 18.

As shown in FIG. 19, the pocket frame 60 can be over molded by thesidewall 26 or more particularly a lower rail or other component of thehead to substantially conceal most or all the pocket frame 60 and/or atleast a portion of the support rail 116 within the sidewall. Forexample, the inner surface 26D of the rail 26A facing the interior 22 ofthe pocket or lacrosse head can form a layer located laterally interiorof the pocket frame 60. This layer can be of a predetermined thicknessso that the pocket frame 60 and the inner part 62 is substantiallyconcealed when viewing the interior rail surface 26D. The interior railsurface 26D can transition to an upper rail surface 26F. In the regionadjacent the upper surface 26F the rail 26A can be of another thicknessthat also conceals the upper surface, end or top of the pocket frame 60.The upper surface 26F can transition to an outer surface 26E, which alsoconceals the outer part 61 of the pocket frame.

In this construction, the pocket frame 60 can be sandwiched between thepart of the rail including the inner surface 26A and the outer part ofthe rail including the outer surface 26E. The top of the pocket frame 65may or may not extend through or beyond the upper surface 26F of thelower rail, depending on the attachment of the molded pocket and pocketframe to the sidewall or other component. Although the aforementioned isdescribed in connection with the lower rail 26A of the sidewall 26, itcan also be applied to the ball stop, opposing sidewall and/or scoop orother features of the lacrosse head.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 19, the head can be constructed so thatthere are no recesses facing toward the interior 22 of the head. Forexample, there are no recesses on the interior surfaces 22A of thesidewalls. Instead, the pocket frame 60 and respective support rails 114and 116 extend downwardly from the lower surfaces 24B and 26B of therespective lower rails of the sidewalls. Therefore, there is no portionof the pocket frame or molded pocket that interfere with the interior 22of the pocket, let alone the interior surfaces 22A facing toward theinterior 22. Alternatively, if it is desired that the pocket frame 60extend laterally inward, for example, toward the longitudinal axis 102of the head 20, the pocket frame and/or support rails 114 can be locatedin recesses on the interior facing surfaces of the sidewalls.

A method for making the first alternative embodiment of the lacrossepocket including the pocket frame will now be described. In general,that method includes molding the pocket frame 60 out of a firstmaterial, such as a polymeric material, or even a metal or composite.The pocket frame 60 can be molded to include the scoop member 68 joinedwith opposing sidewall members 65 and 66, which are further joined witha ball stop member 67. The frame 60 can define a groove 63 through allof these different members. The groove can include the featuresdescribed above.

With the pocket frame molded, the pocket can be molded directly to thepocket frame. The pocket frame can include the various componentsdescribed in connection with FIG. 18 above to physically connect andbond to the molded pocket material. The molded pocket material can be apolymeric material and/or an elastomeric material, or other natural orsynthetic rubber or latex as desired.

With the molded pocket 110 attached to the pocket frame 60, the pocketframe and molded pocket can be placed in a lacrosse head mold. Thelacrosse head 20, and in particular a lacrosse head frame including thevarious components such as the ball stop 23, sidewalls 24, 26 and scoop28 can be molded over the pocket frame 60 and/or the molded pocketsupport rails to connect the pocket frame 60 and/or molded pocket 110 tothe head 20 and its frame.

After the former molding operation is completed, the molded head, pocketframe, and molded pocket form an integral and monolithic structure whichare all permanently attached to one another and cannot be separated fromone another without destroying the one or more of the components. Ofcourse, if desired, the head, pocket frame and/or molded pocket can beconstructed with fastening features that allow these components to benondestructively detached or disassociated from one another.

IV. Second Alternative Embodiment

A second alternative embodiment of the lacrosse pocket is illustrated inFIGS. 20-25. The pocket shown there is similar in construction andoperation to the embodiments described above with several exceptions.For example, as shown in FIGS. 20-23, the pocket frame 160 is joinedwith a molded pocket 210. The pocket frame can be overmolded over themolded pocket or vice versa. Alternatively, the molded pocket 210 caninclude support rails extending around different regions of the pocket,for example, the ball stop, sidewalls and scoop as described inembodiments above. These support rails can be attached to the pocketframe support members, for example the ball stop member 167, sidewallsupport members 165 and 166, and the scoop member 168 of the pocketframe 160.

The pocket frame 160, and optionally the support rails of the moldedpocket extending within the pocket frame, can define a plurality ofpocket frame connector holes 169. These pocket frame connector holes canbe defined in the ball stop member 167, the sidewall members 165 and 166as well as the scoop member 168, which optionally can be continuous withone another, having no breaks or voids in any part thereof. Although notshown, these pocket frame connector holes can extend through any portionof support rails that are included in the pocket frame. Of course ifdesired, the holes 169 can be above or outside the support rails of themolded pocket 210. The connector holes 169 can be defined entirelyaround the molded pocket within the pocket frame 160.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the molded pocket 110 and the pocket frame160 are configured to interfit within features of the lacrosse head 20to join these items, and optionally detachably couple these items. Withsuch a coupling construction, a user can generally remove and/or replaceone pocket frame with another by simply removing or detaching the pocketframe from the lacrosse head and its components. The user can alsoattach or couple a different pocket frame, or the same pocket frame, tothe head. For example, the head 20, and in particular, the ball stop 23,scoop 28, and/or sidewalls 24 and 26, can define a pocket frame shoulderor stringing ridge 169A. Net holes 29 can be defined through the headadjacent the stringing ridge 169A. These net holes 29 align with therespective connector holes 169 defined in the pocket frame 160.Accordingly, the pocket frame 160 can be strung to the lacrosse head 20with a string 29S extending through both the net holes 29 and theconnector holes 169. The string 29S can be constructed from aconventional lace, web, cord or other elongated material includingstrands, fibers and/or other components.

FIGS. 20 and 23 illustrate the stringing ridge 169A in more detail. Aswith the other embodiments, this stringing ridge construction isillustrated only in connection with a sidewall rail; however, it can beimplemented with any of the other structures of the head, such as theball stop, other sidewall or scoop. The stringing ridge 169A can includea first surface 169B and a second surface 169C. The first surface isgenerally horizontal and transitions from an inner surface 22A of thehead, and more particularly an inner surface of the rail 26, to agenerally horizontal or outwardly extending surface 169B. That outwardlyextending surface 169B extends from the interior of the pocket generallyoutwardly, toward the exterior surface 26E of the rail 26. The outwardlyextending surface 169B transitions to a generally vertical or downwardlyextending surface 169C. That surface 169C transitions to and generallyterminates at the lower exterior surface 26B of the rail 26.

Although shown as being adjoined at a corner, the outwardly extendingsurface 169B and downwardly extending surface 169C of the stringingridge 169A can transition at a rounded or arced corner. Alternatively,these surfaces 169B and 169C can form a part of a continuously curvedsurface, or a multi-faceted, multi-angled structure, or any otherstructure which generally provides structural registration of the pocketframe 160 within the stringing ridge 169A.

As further shown in FIG. 23, the pocket frame 160 can includecorresponding surfaces 160B and 160C which are placed immediatelyadjacent and generally abut against the surfaces 169B and 169C. Thesesurfaces also can include other interlocking components such as ridges,bumps, projections and recesses and the like to further connect andregister the pocket frame 160 with the rail 26.

Optionally, although shown as being defined on the interior surface 22Aof the head, the stringing ridge 169A alternatively can be defined onthe exterior surface 26E of the rail 26. In this case, the pocket frame160 can be displaced outwardly, rather than inwardly, of the rail 26 orother head structure.

Modifications to the attachment of the pocket frame and molded pocket tothe ball stop, sidewalls and/or scoop shown in FIGS. 20-23 are shown inFIGS. 24, 24A and 25. For example as shown in FIG. 24, the lower rail 26can define multiple net holes 29 that extend from a stringing ridge 269Aoutwardly to the exterior surface 26E of the sidewall. The pocket frame260, or alternatively, a support rail of the molded pocket if desired,can include an extension 269 which extends laterally outwardly away fromthe pocket frame or molded pocket. This extension 269 can extend throughthe net holes 29. In some cases, the extension can be directly molded,along with the remainder of the pocket frame and/or molded pocket, sothat it fills and joins with the net hole 29. Alternatively, theextension 269 can extend beyond the exterior surface 26E of sidewall, orany other exterior surface of the scoop or ball stop, and can beconnected by an externally mounted connector member.

Another example of the connection of the pocket frame and molded pocketto the ball stop, sidewalls and/or scoop, is illustrated in FIG. 24A.There, the molded pocket 210 can include a support rail 216 whichincludes an extension 216A. The support rail and molded pocket can bemolded directly to the lower rail 26 and/or other component of thesidewall 26, scoop or ball stop, depending on the location. Thisextension 216A when molded, can extend through and fill the respectivenet holes 29 defined by the component of the head, which as shown can bethe lower rail 26A of a sidewall. The lower rail can define on itsexterior 26E an elongated rectangular recess or shouldered hole 26F.Although shown as rectangular in shape, the recess 26F can square,triangular, polygonal, trapezoidal or include a rounded bottom, or othergeometric cross section. The recess can extend around the entireperimeter of the head, on an exterior or interior surface, oralternatively in preselected locations around the perimeter of the head.

The extension 216A can include a head or flange portion 216B extendsinto and optionally fills or occupies the recess 26F. The head locatedand registered in this recess can offer additional support andmechanical connection between the molded pocket 210 and the sidewall 26,or other component to which the molded pocket is joined. The outersurface 216E of the flange 216B can be configured to be flush with theexterior surface 26E of the rail 26A or other exterior surface of thehead. If desired, however, it can extend outwardly and provide anornamental or tactile effect over the exterior surface 26E. Optionally,although not shown, a pocket frame can include a similar extension andflange to connect the pocket frame to the head.

Further optionally, although shown with the molded pocket and/or pocketframe facing the interior 22 of the head, the pocket frame 260 and/orsupport rail 216 can alternatively be formed along or positioned nearthe exterior surface 26E of the sidewall 26 for other component to whichthese items are connected. In these constructions, the extensions extendinwardly through the net holes 29 and can include a similar head, flangeor other enlarged portion to mechanically secure the pocket frame and/ormolded pocket to the lacrosse head.

Yet another example of the connection of the pocket frame and moldedpocket to the ball stop, sidewalls and/or scoop, is illustrated in FIG.25. There, the pocket frame 360 is attached to the pocket 310 using anyof the constructions described herein. The frame and/or molded pocketincludes extensions 368 that extend outwardly away from pocket frame310. These extensions 368 can define one or more holes 369. The holes369 can be transversely oriented relative to the direction of theextensions 368 from the pocket frame 360. For example, the extensions368 can extend laterally outward from the pocket frame 360. The holes369 can be defined vertically through (and transverse to) the extensions368.

Although shown as being oval shaped, the extensions 368 can be of anygeometric configuration, and can generally correspond to the shape ofthe net holes 29 defined by the sidewall, scoop, ball stop or othercomponent of the head to which it is attached. To connect the pocketframe 360 and/or molded pocket 310 to the sidewall 26, the extensions368 are placed through the net holes 29 so that the extension holes 369are located beyond the exterior surface 26 e of the sidewall 26. A laceor string 29S can be strung through the holes 369 in the extensions 368that project past the exterior 26E of the sidewall 26. Optionally, thepocket frame could be reconfigured so that the extensions face inwardly,in which case the string 29S would be located on the interior of thelacrosse head when strung through the holes 369. Further optionally,although shown with the extensions 368 extending from the pocket frame,the molded pocket 310 can include a support rail as described in any ofthe embodiments herein. This support rail can include similarextensions, with the pocket frame absent from the construction.

V. Third Alternative Embodiment

A third alternative embodiment of the lacrosse pocket is illustrated inFIG. 26. The pocket shown there is similar in construction and operationto the embodiments described above with several exceptions. For example,the pocket 410 is joined with the pocket frame 460. The pocket frame 460can define one or more connector holes 469 which can be registered withcorresponding net holes in a lacrosse head as described in theembodiments herein. The pocket frame 460 can be formed with any otherstructures or components described in connection with the otherembodiments herein. Further, the pocket frame 460 can be formed toconnect to the lacrosse head with any of the other constructionsdescribed herein.

The pocket 410, however, can differ from or be the same as the moldedpocket described in connection with the other embodiments above. Forexample, the pocket 410 can be constructed from a conventional meshmaterial or other synthetic material. The mesh or synthetic material canbe overmolded around its perimeter 415 by the pocket frame 460. In thisconstruction the mesh or synthetic material is embedded in orencapsulated in the material making up the pocket frame. Thus, thematerial of the mesh or synthetic material can have embedded within itsouter surfaces, and to some extent, within its structure, the polymericmaterial from which the pocket frame 460 is molded. This can provide aconnection between the mesh or other synthetic material and the moldedpocket 460.

The mesh or other material can be stretched or pre-tensioned laterallyin opposite directions that are aligned with the lateral axis 101 at anynumber of infinite locations along the longitudinal axis 102. The meshor other material also or alternatively can be stretched orpre-tensioned longitudinally in opposite directions aligned with thelongitudinal axis 102 at any of infinite locations along the lateralaxis 101. In its pre-tensioned state, whether laterally stretched,longitudinally stretched, or both, the pocket 410 can be molded to thepocket frame, and in so doing, can retain a generally taut andpreconfigured shape and contour corresponding to the amount of residualtension left in the mesh or material after the molding.

Further, the mesh or other material can be preformed or shaped with abulbous or contoured ball receiving area 419 of a mold. This ballreceiving area can be shaped to hold a lacrosse ball placed in thepocket 410. Optionally, the pre-tensioning can enable the mesh to beheld to form the bulbous formation 419 or other structures within themesh or synthetic material of the pocket 410.

A method for making the third alternative embodiment of the pocketincluding the pocket frame 460 and the pocket 410 constructed from mesh,other material, or even the molded strings mentioned in the embodimentsherein will now be described with reference to FIGS. 27-33. Generally,the pocket can be made in a mold, which can include a first mold part401 and a second mold part 402. The first mold part 401 can define apocket frame mold cavity 404, which includes portions that correspond tothe ball stop member 467, sidewall members 465, 466 and the scoop member468 of the pocket frame 460. The mold cavity 404 also can includeextensions that correspond to the net holes 469 to be defined by thepocket frame.

The second mold part 402 can be configured to complete the mold cavity404. The second mold part 402 can also include a plurality of locatorelements, such as pins 405, that are disposed around at least a portionof a perimeter of the pocket frame mold cavity 404. These pins can belocated directly on the cavity, can be located interior of it, orlocated exterior of it. The locator pins can be configured to extendoutwardly and from the second mold part 402 so that when a mesh pocketor other synthetic pocket material is stretched over them, the locatorpins register within holes 431 defined by the pocket 410 as describedbelow.

The second mold part 402 also can define a projection portion 407 thatprojects outwardly away from the mold. This projection portion can beconfigured to correspond to a desired contour 419 for retaining alacrosse ball within the completed pocket after it is molded to thepocket frame.

Generally, the first and second mold parts are used to mold a pocketframe to a mesh or synthetic or other pocket. With reference to FIG. 29,a mesh pocket in an un-stretched, un-tensioned state is placedtwo-dimensionally in a flat planar form above the second mold 402,generally above the locator pins 405. The mesh or other material 410 isthen stretched using forces +F1 and −F1 in the directions of the arrowsas shown. Generally, these forces +F1 and −F1 are applied in directionin which the lateral axis 101 extends, and generally perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis 102, at some plurality of locations along thelongitudinal axis 102. The forces +F1 and −F1 stretch the mesh materialto a pre-tensioned mode. The forces can range from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10,15, 20, 25 or 30 pounds, or more or less, depending on the desiredamount of tension. Optionally, the outer edges 410E on opposing sides ofthe longitudinal axis 102 can be clamped in a clamping device (notshown) to effect symmetric application of the forces +F1 and −F1.Alternatively, this can also ensure that the mesh is evenly stretchedalong the entire length of the head. This pre-tensioned mode is shown inFIG. 30. Generally, in this pre-tensioned mode, the mesh or material isstretched laterally about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% or moreor less its width in an un-tensioned mode, such as when it is simplylying flat on a horizontal surface.

As shown in FIG. 30, after the mesh or material 410 has been adequatelystretched, it is brought closer to the locator pins so that the locatorpins 405 register in corresponding pocket holes 431. The forces +F1 and−F1 can be maintained on the edges 410E of the mesh or material 410and/or optionally they can be relieved. Either way, the mesh remains ina pre-tensioned mode being strung across the second mold and held inthat pre-tensioned mode by the locator pins. Where the second moldincludes a projection 407, that projection also is reflected through themesh where the projection is brought adjacent the upper surface 409 ofthe second mold.

Optionally, in some cases the mold can be modified to eliminate thelocator pins yet still hold the mesh or other pocket material 410 in apre-tensioned mode. For example, the mold can include clamps that clampthe edges 410E of the mesh or material and apply the forces +F1 and −F1throughout the pocket frame molding operation. In this construction, themold locator pins can be absent yet the mesh is still maintained in apre-tensioned state before, during and after molding material to formthe pocket frame.

Returning to FIG. 31, the first mold part 401 and second mold part 402are moved together with the mesh or material 410 in its pre-tensionedmode installed on the second mold 402 and/or otherwise held in apre-tensioned mode using other techniques. As shown in FIG. 32, the moldparts 401 and 402 are brought together to fully define the pocket framemold cavity. This pocket frame mold cavity has extending through it atleast a portion of the mesh or other material 410. In other words, themesh or material 410 is located within the pocket frame mold cavity 404as shown in FIG. 32. A polymeric material is injected or otherwiseintroduced into the pocket mold cavity to form the pocket frame. As itis injected it encapsulates and is optionally embedded within portions,surfaces and any fibers, strands or filaments of the mesh or materialthat are located within the mold cavity 404. The various structures ofthe pocket frame are formed. The frame is allowed to cure for apredetermined amount of time.

After the frame 460 has cured, as shown in FIG. 33, the first and secondmold parts 401 and 402 are separated. The cured pocket frame 460 isattached and molded directly to the mesh or other synthetic materialforming the pocket 410. The perimeter of the mesh is held by the moldedpocket frame, and the mesh or material can remain in a laterally and/orlongitudinally tensioned mode due to the pocket frame's rigidity. Ofcourse, in some instances, the tension held in the mesh can slightlydraw the sidewall elements 466 and 465 together or toward one another.The mesh also can have a corresponding ball holding section or bulbousportion formed via the bulbous section 407 of the mold. After the moldparts are separated, the pocket frame 460 is completely removed fromthem. Again, the mesh maintains all or part of the tension establishedin the pre-tension mode, when connected to the frame. If any portions ofthe mesh or other synthetic material from which the pocket 410 isconstructed extend beyond the exterior of the pocket frame, or areundesirably exposed through the pocket frame, those portions can betrimmed from the pocket frame and discarded. Other finishing operationscan be performed on the pocket frame and pocket as well to prepare themfor joining with a lacrosse head.

Optionally, the above method can likewise be used to mold a fabric,mesh, other synthetic material, or a molded pocket including moldedstrings as described herein directly to a lower portion of aconventional lacrosse head. In such a method, the pocket frame can bereplaced with the lower rails, lower ball stop and/or lower portion ofthe scoop of the lacrosse head and the same steps followed.

Further optionally, the above method can be modified slightly so thatthe mesh or material of the pocket is pre-tensioned less, or not at all,and still molded to the pocket frame. For example, the mesh or materialcan be pre-tensioned a very small amount or simply loosely draped acrossthe mold cavity. The pocket frame can be molded over the mesh ormaterial. The pocket frame, however, can be sized slightly smaller thanthe head to which it will be attached. The pocket frame itself can beconstructed from a slightly stretchable and/or elastic polymeric orother material. When the pocket frame is joined with the head, the frameis put under a tension and or stretched laterally, longitudinally, orotherwise, and in turn places the mesh or material of the pocket in atensioned mode. To do so, the pocket frame or head, or tools to join thehead and frame can include tapers or wedged portions to expand theperimeter or dimensions of the frame.

VI. Method of Manufacture for the Current Embodiment

A method of manufacturing a molded pocket of the current embodimentdescribed above will now be described with reference to FIGS. 34-45. Themolded pocket of the current embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 can beconstructed with an injection molding apparatus. One mold suitable forsuch injection molding is illustrated in FIG. 34 and generallydesignated 70. This mold 70 can include a mold base 73 which includes alifter 71. The lifter 71 and/or base 73 can define a first pocket cavityportion 75A. This first pocket cavity portion can cooperate with asecond pocket cavity portion 85A and a third pocket cavity portion 85B,which are defined by the mold slides 81 and 82, also referred to as molddoors herein, to form a complete mold pocket cavity 74. The mold slidesor doors 81 and 82 can be pivotally attached to the base 73 via therespective pins 81P and 82P, so that the respective mold slide doorsfold or hinge about respective pivot axes 81A and 82A from an openposition to a closed position. In the closed position, the slides engageone another or are at least placed immediately adjacent one anotheralong a line of symmetry 79 of the molded pocket cavity 74 or a partingline of the molded pocket in general.

Injection molded material is injected through a network of runners 86into the base molded pocket cavity 74 defined by the first pocket cavityportion 75A and the second and third pocket cavity portions 85A and 85B.An already formed lacrosse head 20 can be held in place relative to thebase 73 via a retainer element 71. The lacrosse head 20 can include netholes or other apertures or grooves defined in its lowermost region, incommunication with the molded pocket cavity 74. When the material isinjected, it fills the cavity as well as engages the lacrosse head toaffix the molded pocket to the lacrosse head.

Turning now with more particularity to FIGS. 34-36, the base 73 caninclude the retainer portion 76. The retainer portion can includeopposing sides 76A and 76B. These opposing sides can be connected to oneanother and generally form a continuous periphery of the retainerportion 76. This periphery can correspond to one or mode differentportions of the interior and/or exterior surfaces of a lacrosse head 20.For example, as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the base sides 76A and 76B canbe configured to engage the respective sidewalls 24 and 26. Other partsof the periphery can engage the base 23 and/or scoop 28. In so doing,the lacrosse head is effectively held in an consistent and fixedposition relative to the retainer portion 76, and more generally, to thebase 73 for molding operations. Again, this can facilitate a clean andconsistent connection of the molded pocket to the lacrosse head.

The retainer portion 76 can be the same size or slightly larger than theinterior surfaces of the molded pocket around an inner perimeter 15 ofthe lacrosse head 20. This can ensure a friction or tight fit to promotetight tolerances when the pocket 10 is molded to the head 20.Optionally, where the molded pocket 10 is to be joined or molded to apocket frame, such as those in the embodiments above, the retainerportion 76 can be sized and configured to engage the interior of thepocket frame in a similar manner Generally, the retainer portion can bereduced in height due to the fact that the pocket frame is typicallyshorter in height than the sidewalls and/or base of a lacrosse head.With the pocket frame appropriately placed, the molded pocket can beinjection molded using the techniques and methods described herein.

Returning to FIGS. 34-36, the mold base 73 can include one or morelifters 71 configured to extend upwardly into the and through theinterior 22 of the lacrosse head 20. Generally the lifter 71 canprotrude upwardly past the lowermost portion of the lower rails of thesidewalls 24 and 26, and further above the lowermost portions of theball stop and/or scoop (not shown). This generally corresponds to thefeature of the molded pocket extending below those lowermost portions ofthe head 20. The uppermost portion of the lifter 71 can define the firstpocket cavity portion 75A. This first pocket cavity portion 75A caninclude surfaces that basically mirror the various components of themolded pocket, for example the individual molded strings, the combinedstrings and the shooters, as well as the support rails and any otherfeatures of the molded pocket or other pockets herein.

The molded pocket cavity 74 can be collectively formed by the firstpocket cavity portion 75A of the base 73 and/or lifter 71, the secondpocket cavity portion 85A, and the third pocket cavity portion 85B whichare respectively defined by the mold slide 81 and the mold slide 82. Themolded pocket cavity 74 can collectively define all of the surfacesmirroring the finished molded pocket. The molded pocket cavity 74 alsocan be in direct fluid communication with the lacrosse head 20 and itscomponents to promote attachment of the molded pocket to a lacrossehead, or optionally to a molded pocket frame as desired. The moldedpocket cavity 74 also is in direct fluid communication with multiplerunners 86 defined by the mold, for example the base mold 73 and/or themold slides 81 and 82. These runners can deliver a supply of moldingmaterial, for example polymeric materials, such as those describedabove, to form the molded pocket 10 in the molded pocket cavity 74. Avariety of different configurations of the runners can be used dependingon the particular application.

As shown in FIGS. 34-36, the mold slides 81 and 82 are pivotallyconnected to the mold base 73. In effect, these slides do not operatelike conventional mold slides which move primarily linearly either up ordown relative to a mold cavity. Instead, these mold slides areconfigured to pivot about pivot axes 81A and 82A riding on pins 81P and82P. Optionally, although shown as including a pair of slides that pivotaway from one another when opened, the mold can include a singlepivoting slide defining a molded pocket cavity portion, or three, four,or more pivoting slides defining multiple molded pocket cavity portions.

With reference to FIGS. 35-37, the pins can be further connected to themold base 73. Although shown as multiple pins connecting different endsof the mold slides 81 and 82, the pins 81P and 82P can be a singlecontinuous pin on opposite side of the line of symmetry 79. As describedin further detail below, when the mold is open to install a head 20 onthe retainer portion 76, the slides are pivoted or folded open in thedirection of the arrows R4. Before doing so, the clamp plate 85 can bedisengaged from those slides to allow such rotation as described below.

The mold slides 81 and 82, and/or the base 73, can include an internalhead relief portions 87A and 87B. These portions are configured to allowclearance between the slides 81, 82 when they are folded or pivotedclosed, and the head 20 placed on the retainer portion 76. The head 20can fit within the respective reliefs 87A and 87B defined by the slides81 and 82, so that the slides 81 and 82 do not engage or contact thehead.

Further, each of the slides can be configured to include an innerengagement surfaces 86A and 86B. When the slides 81, 82 are closed inthe position shown in FIG. 35, those surfaces 86A and 86B are placed incontact with one another to at least partially close off the moldedpocket cavity 74. As mentioned above, the slides, as well as the base,can include one or more runners 86 through which injected fluidmaterial, such as a liquid polymeric material or other material ismobilized. One or more of those runners can be defined by the innerengagement surfaces 86A and 86B. If desired, the surfaces, whencontacting one another, can complete one of more of the runners so thatthe runner is effectively closed to form a complete runner. Again, therunners can be in fluid communication with the molded pocket cavity 74,including the first molded pocket cavity portion 75A and the second andthird molded pocket portion cavity portions 85A and 85B.

The slides 81 and 82 can be strategically positioned and moveable in aspecific path or paths to ensure that they release in a consistent,non-damaging manner from the complex molded features of the moldedpocket, and its intricate and multifaceted surfaces is consistent. Asdescribed above, the individual molded strings, molded combined stringsand shooters of the molded pocket can be of various complicated shapesand complex geometric configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,the molded strings and combined molded strings form intricate hexagonalshapes. As shown in FIG. 4, the combined molded strings 12C are ratherintricate and form a variety of complicated exterior surfaces,particularly in the upper and lower portions of the combined moldedstrings, and at the junction 12J. The second and third pocket moldcavity portions 85A and 85B of the slides 81 and 82 can be cleanly andconsistently released from these complicated surfaces, optionally due tothe pivoting mold slides or doors removing those cavity portions fromthe molded surfaces of the pocket in somewhat orthogonal directions orother directions straight away from the molded surfaces, to preventexcessive pulling or tearing of the molded pocket and its material.

To achieve the pivoting action of the slides, the axes 81A and 82A ofthe respective slides 81 and 82 can be positioned to facilitate preciseand accurate movement in the directions R4 when the slides are foldedopen. The axes 81A and 82A of the respective doors 81 and 82 can bepositioned “above” the lowermost portion 20L of the lacrosse head 20when the head is positioned horizontally, with the lower rail verticallybelow the upper rail. The perspective in FIG. 35 shows the head upsidedown in the mold, so there, the axes appears “below” the lowermostportion 20L. Further, the lowermost portion 20L of the head appears tobe an uppermost portion of the head 20. There, however, that is notreally the case, because again, the head is vertically upside down inFIG. 35.

The axes 81A and 82A can be specifically positioned to ensure the cleanrelease of the second pocket cavity portion 85 a and the third cavitypocket portion 85 b from the molded pocket after it is formed. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 35, the axes 82A and 81A can be offset adistance D7 “above” the lowermost portion 20L of the lacrosse head 20 inthe mold. The pivot axes 81A and 82A also can be located so that theyare effectively substantially above the uppermost portion 20U of thelacrosse head 20. Generally, the axes 81A and 82A can be above the upperrail of the sidewalls of the lacrosse head. The distance D7 can beoptionally about 1 inch to about 12 inches, further optionally about 2inches to about 8 inches, even further optionally about 3 inches toabout 6 inches above the lacrosse head 20, and more particularly, abovethe lowermost portion 20L of the sidewalls. The distance D7 further canbe precisely selected so that the second pocket cavity portion 85A andthe third pocket cavity portion 85B cleanly release from the moldedpocket as further described below.

As shown in FIG. 36, the pivot axes 81A and 82A can also be laterallyoffset relative to the head 20, for example, the outermost surface ofthe sidewalls, or head in general, a preselected distance D8. Thisdistance D8 can be optionally about 1 inch to about 12 inches, furtheroptionally about 2 inches to about 8 inches, even further optionallyabout 4 inches to about 8 inches, yet even further optionally, about 6inches offset from the outermost surface of the sidewalls of thelacrosse head 20. This precise distance as well can be preselected toensure that the slides 81 and 82 pivot in such a manner so as to bedrawn swiftly and consistently away from the molded pocket after it isformed and the mold cavity without damaging, disrupting or tearing thefinished mold pocket.

Generally, the pivot axes are located laterally outward from thelacrosse head, and vertically above the lowermost portion 20L of thelacrosse head and/or molded pocket cavity 74, or generally above andlaterally away from the sidewalls of the lacrosse head, or the moldedpocket cavity 74, as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36.

Although not shown, the first and second slides 81 and 82 can beconnected to pneumatic or hydraulic element which can move those firstand second slides 81 and 82 about the pivot axes 81A and 82A. Further,if desired the slides 81 and 82 can be separated up into multipleindividual side-by-side slides which are pivotable about additional orfewer axes than the two illustrated. For example, the mold could beconfigured with a first portion of a mold cavity defined by a base moldand a second portion of the mold cavity defined by a single slide. Thesingle slide could be pivotable about an axis similar to the axes above.To open the mold, the slide could pivot generally like a door about thesingle axis, opening away from the base mold to thereby separate thesecond mold cavity portion from the first mold cavity portion, freeingthe molded article inside the collective mold cavity.

The axes 81A and 82A of the respective mold slides 81 and 82 aregenerally parallel to one another and disposed on diametrically opposedon opposing sides of the axis of symmetry 79 of the lacrosse head. Theaxis or line of symmetry can be aligned with the longitudinal axis 102of the lacrosse head. If desired, the slides can optionally bereconfigured so that they are not parallel and are offset as some anglerelative to one another, and relative to the axis of symmetry 79.

As shown in FIGS. 35-37, the mold 70 also can include a clamp plate 85.This clamp plate can defines recesses 85C which are configured toreceive the slide projections 85D of the respective first and secondslides 81 and 82 when they are in a closed position, with theirengagement surfaces 86A and 86B generally engaging one another acrossthe line of symmetry 79 of the mold 70. The clamp plate 85 can becompressed against these slides so that the recesses capture theprojections and effectively hold the slides 81 and 82 so that they donot move. For example, the projections 85D are entrapped within therecesses 85C so that the slides 81 and 82 do not fold or pivot open indirections R4 during a molding operation, when injection molded materialunder high pressure might be injected into the molded pocket cavity 74.The recesses 85C and the projections 85D can be tapered as illustratedto ensure that there is positive and forceful registration between therecesses of the clamp plate 85 and the projections 85D of the slides.This can ensure that the slides are held in a secure, locked closedposition, as shown in FIG. 35. Of course, the projections and recessescan be reversed, with the projections on the clamp plate and therecesses on the mold slides

With further reference to FIGS. 35 and 36, the clamp plate 85 is movableand operable in both a closed mode or molding mode as shown in FIG. 35and an open mold mode as shown in FIG. 36. In the molding mode of FIG.35, the plate 85 is lowered toward the slides 81, 81 so that therecesses 85C entrap the projections 85D. In the open mold mode shown inFIG. 36, the clamp plate 85 is moved upwardly in the direction of thearrow so that the projections 85D are released from the recesses 85C.This movement can be primarily vertical, or in a direction linearly awayfrom the base mold 73. The clamp plate 85 can be moved a distance awayfrom the base mold 73 so that the slides 81 and 82, can have room toclear the clamp plate 85 and pivot open, somewhat like doors.

Operation of the mold, and the method for forming a molded pocket willnow be described with reference to FIGS. 38-45. In general, the methodfor molding the molded pocket includes placing a lacrosse head frameand/or a pocket frame within a mold, the mold having a first moldedpocket cavity portion formed immediately adjacent the lacrosse head orpocket frame. At least one slide is moved adjacent a base of the mold.The at least one slide includes a second portion of the molded pocketcavity to form a completed molded pocket cavity. Optionally, the atleast one slide is rotated about a pivot axis to bring the second cavityportion immediately adjacent the first cavity portion to form thecompleted molded pocket cavity.

Further optionally, the mold can include a second slide across a line ofsymmetry of the mold. The second slide also can pivot about a secondpivot axis, which is parallel to but offset laterally relative to theline of symmetry an the opposite side of the head. The second slide caninclude a third cavity portion which, when brought against the firstcavity portion is in communication with that first cavity portion andthe second cavity portion to form the completed molded pocket moldcavity in which the molded pocket can be formed.

Even further optionally, a clamp plate can be pressed adjacent the firstslide and optional second slide to secure and/or capture the slides sothat they do not separate from one another or distort the finished moldcavity during the molding of the molded pocket. Material can beinjection molded into the molded pocket mold cavity.

As the molded pocket is molded, it joins with the lacrosse head and/orpocket frame mechanically and/or via a bonding action between thematerial of the injection molded pocket and the head or pocket frame.After the molded pocket is formed, the first and optional second slidescan be pivoted or folded open about the pivot axes. Due to the pivotingaction, optionally away from the line of symmetry, the second moldcavity portion and optional third cavity mold portion cleanly andconsistently break or separate away from the molded pocket so that itremains intact and does not tear. Optionally, the internal surfaces ofthe second mold cavity portion and optional third cavity mold portionmove in an arcuate or curved pathway away from the molded features andsurfaces of the molded pocket as the slides are pivoted open.

The lacrosse head and/or pocket frame having the molded pocket joinedwith it can be removed from the mold. Any sprues or flashing formedduring the molding process can be removed from the molded pocket.

More particularly, as shown in FIG. 38, the mold 70 is configured withthe slides 81 an 82 in an open mode. The head 20, or a pocket frame asdescribed herein, is fit over the retainer portion 76, optionally beingfriction fit with force to ensure that it remains in the desiredposition throughout the injection molding of the molded pocket. As shownin FIG. 38, the retainer portion can include a primary portion 76A and asecondary portion 76B if desired to facilitate the fitment of the headand better accommodate the shape of the desired molded pocket.Additional retainer portions or lifters can be included in the base orretainer portion as desired depending on the application. These retainerportions or lifters also can be used to lift the finished product out ofthe mold as described in further detail below or optionally retract thehead and the first pocket cavity portion 75A into the mold toward thebase 73.

Turning now to FIG. 39, the head 20 along with the retainer portion 76is retracted or drawn toward the base 73 with the lifter 71. In sodoing, the first cavity portion 75A is positioned so that the secondcavity portion 85A and the third cavity portion 85B will align with thatcavity portion when the slides 81, 82 are closed.

As shown in FIG. 40, the slides 81, 82 are moving from an open mode to aclosed mode. During the closing action, the slides fold inward towardthe line of symmetry 79 of the mold about their respective pivot axes81A and 82A. Optionally, instead of a line of symmetry, these slides canfold toward some other predetermined line which is conveniently locatedto ensure that when the slides open, the mold cavity portions associatedwith those slides cleanly and consistently separate from the moldedpocket without damaging its surfaces, for example, surfaces of themolded strings, or tearing the molded pocket. Thus, even though referredto as a line of symmetry, this feature need not always separate the moldand/or the pocket into perfectly symmetric opposing sides. One side canbe slightly larger than the other or can be slightly offset from theperfect center of the molded pocket and/or mold.

Generally, during the closing action, the second molded pocket moldcavity portion 85A and third molded pocket mold cavity portion 85B ofthe respective slides move along arcuate pathways toward the firstmolded pocket mold cavity portion 75A. This movement along those arcuatepathways can be due to the pivoting action about the respective axes.Optionally, the each of the various surfaces and points of the secondmolded pocket mold cavity portion 85A and third molded pocket moldcavity portion 85B can move along their own single arcuate pathway,generally rotating toward one another as the slides are closed to theclosed mode. This action sometimes can be referred to as a barn doorclosing action.

FIG. 41 illustrates the mold 70 in a closed configuration with theslides 81 and 82 in a closed mode. In this configuration, the firstpocket cavity portion 75A, second pocket cavity portion 85A and thethird pocket cavity portion 85B cooperatively form the completed moldedpocket cavity 74, also shown in FIG. 35. The engagement surfaces 86A and86B can be engaging or in contact with one another. If there are partialrunners 86 along the engagement surfaces, those runners can be completedand can form full runners. The frame of the lacrosse head can be locatedwithin the reliefs 87A and 87B defined by the slides when the slides arein the closed mode.

As shown in FIG. 42, the slides 81 and 82 remain fully closed. Theprojections 85D extending from the slides 81 and 82 are registeredwithin the corresponding recesses 85C of the clamping plate 85. Theclamping plate can be brought downward, or generally toward the moldbase 73, to ensure the appropriate registration of the projections 85Din the recesses 85C. This effectively locks the slides 81 and 82 inplace and completes the mold cavity 74 within the mold 70. At thispoint, the polymeric material or other material can be injection moldedor otherwise introduced into the molded pocket cavity, forming theindividual strings, combined strings, shooters, support rails and anyother components of the molded pocket. In so doing, the introducedmaterial can also engage portions of the lacrosse head frame and/orpocket frame in communication with the molded pocket cavity to join themolded pocket with the head and/or pocket frame.

After the molded pocket is sufficiently molded and cured within themolded pocket cavity, the mold can be opened. This is illustrated inFIG. 43. There, the mold slides 81 and 82 are fully pivoted open aboutthe respective axes 81A and 82A toward an open mode. Again, due to theprecise placement of these axes relative to the various surfaces of themolded pocket 10 within the mold described above, when the second moldedcavity portion 85A and/or third molded cavity portion 85B are separatedfrom the multifaceted surfaces of the molded pocket, those portions 85Aand 85B cleanly release from those surfaces.

Generally, during the opening action, the second molded pocket moldcavity portion 85A and third molded pocket mold cavity portion 85B ofthe respective slides move along arcuate pathways away from the moldedpocket and the first molded pocket mold cavity portion 75A. Thismovement along the arcuate pathways can be due to the pivoting actionabout the respective axes. Optionally, the each of the various surfacesand points of the second molded pocket mold cavity portion 85A and thirdmolded pocket mold cavity portion 85B can move along their own singlearcuate pathway as the slides are opened, and generally rotate away fromone another.

Any remaining sprues can be removed at this point from the molded pocketand/or mold. The slides 81 and 82 can continue to open as shown in FIGS.44 and 45. In FIG. 45, the lifter, which can form a portion of theretainer 76 as noted above can lift the lacrosse head and/or pocketframe, along with the formed mold pocket out from the base 73 forremoval by an operator. Further finishing, such as removing flashing andbrushing the parting line corresponding to the line of symmetry can beperformed as desired. The molded pocket, along with the associatedlacrosse head and/or pocket frame can be further prepared, finishedand/or packaging.

With all of the embodiments described above, a durable andeasy-to-install pocket and related method are provided.

Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,”“upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are usedto assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of theembodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional termsshould not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specificorientation(s).

The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention.Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from thespirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appendedclaims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles ofpatent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure ispresented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as anexhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limitthe scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated ordescribed in connection with these embodiments. For example, and withoutlimitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may bereplaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similarfunctionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes,for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those thatmight be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternativeelements that may be developed in the future, such as those that oneskilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative.Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features thatare described in concert and that might cooperatively provide acollection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to onlythose embodiments that include all of these features or that provide allof the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly setforth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in thesingular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” isnot to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Anyreference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant toinclude any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Yand Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A method of joining alacrosse pocket to a frame comprising: providing a fabric pocketconstructed from a plurality of strands, the pocket including aperimeter; placing the perimeter of the pocket in a pocket frame moldcavity; introducing a polymeric material into the pocket frame moldcavity with the perimeter placed in the pocket frame mold cavity so thatthe polymeric material encapsulates and is embedded within the pluralityof strands; curing the polymeric material so as to form a pocket framejoined with the perimeter of the pocket so that the fabric pocket is notremovable from the pocket frame without destroying at least one of thepocket frame and the pocket; removing the pocket frame with the fabricpocket attached thereto from the pocket frame mold cavity; and joining alacrosse head frame with the pocket frame, wherein the pocket frame isjoined with the head frame so that the pocket is in a tensioned state,in which the fabric pocket retains residual tension in at least aportion of the fabric pocket.
 2. The method of claim 1 comprising:placing the pocket frame in a lacrosse frame mold cavity; and moldingthe lacrosse head frame to the pocket frame.
 3. The method of claim 2comprising stretching the fabric pocket before the introducing step. 4.The method of claim 3 comprising stretching the fabric pocket laterallyand longitudinally before the introducing step.
 5. The method of claim 1comprising pushing a bulbous contour against the fabric pocket.
 6. Themethod of claim 5 comprising projecting the bulbous contour above anuppermost part of the pocket frame mold cavity.
 7. The method of claim 1comprising forming the pocket frame to include at least one of a ballstop member, a first sidewall member, a second sidewall member and ascoop member.
 8. The method of claim 7 comprising joining the firstsidewall member with a first sidewall of the head frame, and joining asecond sidewall member with a second sidewall of the head frame.
 9. Themethod of claim 7 comprising joining the scoop member with a scoop ofthe head frame.
 10. The method of claim 7 comprising joining the ballstop member with a ball stop of the head frame.
 11. A method of joininga lacrosse pocket to a frame comprising: placing a perimeter of a pocketconstructed from a plurality of strands in a pocket frame mold cavity;overmolding the perimeter only of the pocket so that a polymericmaterial encapsulates and is embedded within the plurality of strands,thereby forming a pocket frame that is not removable from the pocketwithout destroying at least one of the pocket frame and the pocket; andremoving the pocket frame with the fabric pocket attached thereto fromthe pocket frame mold cavity.
 12. The method of claim 11 comprisingmolding a lacrosse head frame to the pocket frame.
 13. The method ofclaim 11 comprising joining the pocket frame to a head frame so that thepocket is in a tensioned state, in which the fabric pocket retainsresidual tension in at least one portion of the fabric pocket.
 14. Themethod of claim 11 comprising stretching the pocket laterally so that ina pre-tensioned mode, the pocket has a tensioned width that is about 2%,or more, greater than an un-tensioned width of the pocket in anun-tensioned mode.
 15. The method of claim 11 comprising reflecting aprojection through the pocket during the overmolding step.
 16. Themethod of claim 11 comprising maintaining a portion of the pocket in atensioned state while the perimeter is in the pocket frame cavity. 17.The method of claim 11 comprising molding a sidewall of a lacrosse headframe over a sidewall member of the pocket frame.
 18. The method ofclaim 11 comprising molding a scoop of a lacrosse head frame over ascoop member of the pocket frame.
 19. The method of claim 11 comprisingremoving the pocket frame from the pocket frame mold cavity, wherein atension in the pocket draws opposing sidewall members of the pocketframe toward one another after the removing.
 20. A method of joining alacrosse pocket to a frame comprising: placing a portion of a lacrossepocket in a mold cavity; overmolding only a perimeter of the pocket witha polymeric material that embeds within and encapsulates a plurality ofstrands of the lacrosse pocket; and removing a frame with the lacrossepocket attached thereto from the mold cavity.